Understanding Israeli Mentality
Native-born Israelis are called "sabras" ("tsabar" in Hebrew). Why? Because the Israeli character is supposedly like the fruit of the cactus plant in this photo, which grows wild all over the country: prickly on the outside and sweet on the inside. Obviously, this is a stereotype, but stereotypes often have a grain of truth in them. When visiting Israel, there are behaviors you may encounter that rub you the wrong way. Depending on where you come from, you may be misinterpreting things and judging by a different value system. Here is a guide that can help you keep differing value systems in perspective:(1) An Israeli's directness and honesty may be perceived by Americans as rude and tactless. (2) Assertiveness --> aggressiveness.(3) Informality --> lack of consideration or rudeness.(4) Pride and self-confidence --> arrogance. (5) Warmth and familiarity --> intrusiveness or...
