Israel and the United States have different democratic structures, yet both face the danger of authoritarianism. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The Threat of Would-Be Dictators Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAabout leadership, resilience, and the importance of unity. The military in Israel is existential. Surrounded by countries that are often hostile, our military is essential for our survival. This creates a society that is always alert and deeply connected through shared experiences of service. In contrast, military service in the United States is voluntary, unless there’s a mandatory draft due to war. [Shahar Masori]
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Israel, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe U.S. benefits from a large domestic market, which allows startups to scale more easily within the country before expanding internationally. In contrast, Israel’s small domestic market forces startups to think globally from day one, often seeking international partnerships and markets to grow. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Read More »
Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USAMy father would bring the chickens home, where the real work began. He would meticulously defeather, clean, and cut the chickens, ensuring they were ready for my mother’s culinary expertise. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Home-Cooked Meals Here and There Read More »
Israel, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAOne of the most striking differences between American and Israeli communication is the approach to politeness and directness. Americans are generally known for their politeness and often indirect communication style. They use euphemisms, hedge their statements, and tend to avoid direct confrontation. This is rooted in a cultural preference for maintaining harmony and avoiding offense. For example, an American might say, “That’s an interesting idea,” even if they disagree, to soften the blow. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Getting to the Point Here and There Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAI remember countless instances when passengers would arrive at the gate a solid hour before boarding, itineraries in hand and a sense of urgency and exhaustion plastered on their faces. In contrast, my Israeli passengers had a different vibe. Israelis have a more relaxed relationship with time. (Shahar Masori)
An Israeli-American Perspective: Different Attitudes Toward Time Read More »
International, Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAIn Israel, Shabbat is more than just a religious observance; it is a national rhythm that influences the entire country. The word “Shabbat” itself stems from the Hebrew root “shin-bet-tav,” which means to cease or to rest. For Israelis, Shabbat is a time to “sit” and relax, to pause the hectic pace of life and find peace. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Shabbats in Both My Countries Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA