Howdy, My name is Noam Yaari and I am currently interning at an Israeli company in Israel. The company that I am working with is, Nimrod Yaron & Co.
Nimrod Yaron & Co. specializes in international taxation. In the office, they have both CPAs as well as practicing lawyers. This is a pretty small company that usually has about 7 workers in the office during the day, not including interns. With a company this size, it makes it easier to form relationships with those in charge. During my time so far, I have been surprised at how much Nimrod Yaron, the founder of the company, has taken time out of his busy schedule to truly get to know the interns and help us expand our knowledge.
The first thing that has really stuck out to me during my first few weeks interning in Israel is that the people here are very straightforward and will tell you things how it is. I feel that in America most of what we say is said in a way to not offend others and to make sure the other person takes in what you are saying ok. In Israel, I have realized that people don?t really care how you are going to take in what they say and they just say it to you. Another thing that has stood out to me is the laid-back culture in Israel. This culture is present both in the workplace and in day-to-day life. In the workplace, it is very present with how individuals are dressed and also with how the work is approached. In instances when an individual would be stressed and riled up in America, here they would grab a cup of coffee and then keep going. I believe that there are pros to this way of life because it ensures that individuals aren?t always tense and stressed. But it is for sure something that takes time to get used to.
Some differences that I have taken note of in day-to-day life are the use of cigarettes, the use of AC, and the type of transportation that is used. To start with the use of cigarettes in Israel: Anywhere you go you will see someone smoking a cigarette. A main reason why smoking cigarettes is common in Israel is that at the age of 18 both men and women are required to go into the army, this doesn?t mean they are going to war, this just means that they need to play a role in the army for a certain amount of time. Women need to be in the army for a minimum of 2 years and men need to be in the army for a minimum of 2 years and 8 months. During this time many Israelis began smoking as a way to both socialize and also take breaks during this time in the army. Next on the list is the use of ACs: Most buildings in Israel have what is called a split system. This means that almost every room has its own AC. In Israel, it is very common to turn the AC off whenever you leave a room. Growing up in Texas my parents never turned the AC off no matter where we were going. This is for sure something that it takes time to get used to. Lastly, transportation, while on my internship I am staying in Tel Aviv. During this time I am learning how to use public transportation, especially the bus system. In Tel Aviv, it is very common for individuals to use public transportation, because of the price of cars, gas, and the fact that there are very limited parking spots.
I am excited to continue exploring Israel and learning more about the country and its culture.
