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Israel emergency numbers: Police 100 / Medical emergency 101 / Fire 102
As you go about all of your activities here, please be mindful of the cultural considerations mentioned in this section. Israel is a culturally diverse country. The Jews are coming from all corners of the earth to their promised land. They are bringing many different customs and views with them. Some Israelis do not even believe in God. Many Israelis are secular Jews and others are Orthodox worshippers steeped in Judaism. Most Israelis are observant of rabbinical law to some degree especially with regard to dietary restrictions. In Israel you will be in close proximity to other people groups as well--mainly the Arabs. In some
ways, they are very close to their Jewish cousins. Modesty is important. Women should not look directly in the eyes of a man,
and public displays of affection between a man and women are frowned upon.
The holy day for Muslims is Friday. You may see them hurrying to their mosques, and you may hear the wail of the call to prayer five times a day. Women are covered up to varying degrees; some are just in modest clothing with a head scarf and others are covered head to toe with just their eyes showing. They too come from all backgrounds. Because we, as believers, are meant to be a light, a reflection of God, always dress modestly. Your behavior reflects on all believers. Consider how you want them to remember you. More importantly, how do you want them to see Jesus? Driving in Israel
Phones in Israel
From a US phone, dial 011 and then the country code 972 for the phone numbers that you are given. When in Israel, do not dial 972, but add a 0 in front of the rest of the number. (The 0 plus the first number makes up the area code.) If you are calling from a cell phone, you must always dial the area code. You can determine if the number you are calling is a cell phone because the "area code" for all cell phone numbers is 05. Cell phones are often called pelephones.
Business Hours
Israelis work five days a week, with Fridays and Saturdays off. (There are some businesses and government offices that are open on Friday mornings.) Many service-oriented businesses are also closed one additional afternoon during the week. Some employers, mainly in the hi-tech sector, have instituted a five-day work week, as have a majority of the offices in the state and local government. On the day before a religious holiday, work is also a half-day, since holidays begin in the evening. Stores generally close by early Friday afternoon for Shabbat. While Saturday is a normal business day among Israel's Arab citizens, and many places of entertainment remain open, most businesses are closed for Shabbat. Stores and businesses vary in their opening and closing times, but work often begins at 8:00 a.m. Some
businesses stay open until 3:00 p.m., others until 4:00 or 5:00. Banks, post offices, government offices, and most shops close
for lunch, from noon to 4:00 p.m., but this also varies. There are many businesses that do not work on a split shift, working
right through the lunch hour. It is best to learn the schedule of each individual office or shop that one needs to deal with.
Schools let out anywhere from noon to 2:00 p.m., but if the school is religious, it gets out at 4:00 p.m. |
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 Tip
You are in a different country. The food is different. The laws are different, the people are different. Remember what happened to the Israelites when they complained? ...Forty years they wandered. Israelis have their own rules about personal space, and freedom. Frequently people will be "in your face",
while not considering their behavior offensive at all. If you are hesitating in a line, an Israeli will think that you are
undecided, so he will push ahead. Don't be offended by it. When it is your turn, be assertive. Other people there know
who arrived in what order and will generally stick to that order. If you look past the exterior, you will see that Israelis
are loving, family-oriented people. On the Sabbath, (Shabbat) which is Friday from sundown to Saturday at sundown, most stores or restaurants are closed. Some Arab-owned businesses and non-kosher restaurants will be open. Observant Jews do not drive or cook on the Sabbath. They will walk to their local synagogue for services either Friday night or Saturday. If you are in a religious neighborhood on Shabbat, try to be as quiet as possible to show respect for the residents. What is kosher?
Shopping
You will find the most interesting shopping in the old city of Jerusalem. Negotiating prices is expected in the Muslim Quarter, but not as welcome in the Jewish quarter. Keep your purses close to you and your money and passports out of sight. Most merchants in the Old City take American dollars and some take credit cards, but all would prefer shekels. You may be invited to have tea in a shop. This is perfectly acceptable, but you may be heavily pressured to buy more items. Value Added Tax (V.A.T) Visitors buying goods worth $50 or more at a ministry of Tourism approved shop are entitled to a discount of at least 5% on the purchase price plus a refund of VAT (the Value Added tax -17%). In order to qualify you must make your purchase in foreign currency. The 17% VAT refund is received at the point of departure from Israel. Establishments offering this service display a special sign.
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