The Xenophobe's Guide to the Israelis (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) [Paperback]

Aviv Ben Zeev (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001 | Series: Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books

Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An enlightened new series, good natured, witty and useful. The Xenophobe's Guides to different nations deserves a real cheer."
--The European

"The Xenophobe's Guides raise a smile and give you an understanding of the beliefs and foibles of nationalities."
--Glasgow Evening Times

From the Back Cover

'Israelis simply do not have the same concept of minding one's own business as other nations have. Even in their biggest cities, they will never walk by with their eyes averted should someone trip and fall in the street. They will stop and get involved.
In Israel, everything and everybody is everyone else's business. If Israelis keep their bedroom windows closed while being intimate, it for fear of being shouted at with neighborly advice.'
Xenophobia is an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable.
Xenophobe's Guides - an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Oval Books; 1st edition (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902825349
• ISBN-13: 978-1902825342
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,192,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right on and witty!, January 16, 2005

By 

Barbara (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Xenophobe's Guide to the Israelis (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) (Paperback)

Knowing Israelis for many years through business and travel, I can only say this book is accurate in its witty depiction of Israeli culture. Highly recommended not just for those interacting with Israelis, but for those who are interested in what makes Israelis tick. More than that - it's just fun to read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A precise yet non-distinguished look on Israelis..., September 6, 2005

By 

Ben Levy (Tel Aviv, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Xenophobe's Guide to the Israelis (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) (Paperback)

I would strongly recommend reading this book before visiting or coming to live in Israel, to unvail or at least learn some of the charachteristics of this unique community. Although, I must say most of the people you will meet only play some of those roles described in the book, so don't worry - you're not jumping head-first into a zoo. It's quite a western country, overall.

P.S. The book was written somewhere in the late 90's I guess, so expect some changes since...

4.0 out of 5 stars Scarily accurate..., October 12, 2009

By 

J. Wildstein - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Xenophobe's Guide to the Israelis (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books) (Paperback)

Anyone who has ever attempted an Israeli que will attest to the accuracy of this book. Wihout being particularly insulting, this book prepares you for the somewhat unexpected Israeli people. Anyone going to Israel, especially for a longer stay, should look into this book.