Shahar Masori

An Israeli-American Perspective: Navigating Youth Culture in Both Countries

My early 20s in Florentin, a neighborhood in south Tel Aviv near Jaffa, were truly magical. I was part of a local band, living in the bohemian heart of the city, feeling carefree and immersed in the moment. We were a generation connected by shared experiences, yet separated by the vast cultural currents flowing through our lives. Most of us were fresh out of the IDF, eager to enjoy the freedom we had fought for. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Symbiotic Relationship of Music in Our Two Countries

Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Dust in the Wind” opened me up to a much greater world and introduced me to the power of lyrics, offering a wider outlook on life. For instance, the first time I heard the lyric from Kansas, “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea, all we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see,” I was struck by its beauty and depth. [Shahar Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: The Military’s Impact on Society

about 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, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The 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]

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Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Getting to the Point Here and There

One 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]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Different Attitudes Toward Time

I 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)

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International, Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Shabbats in Both My Countries

In 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]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA