My recent business trip to Israel was a success work-wise and also for me as a cultural and history learning opportunity. I didn’t know much about Israel before my trip. After doing some reading on the 14 hour flight, meeting with people and seeing some sites – I straightened a few things out and I now have a deeper appreciation for this unique state. This is my “primer” on some things I learned and saw:

1. History: at the cross-roads for Europe, Asia and Africa, the Holy Land has been a strategic place for many civilizations. The fighting did not stop once a modern state of Israel was declared.
2. Food: savory goods of the region – comestibles both novel and familiar
3. Religion: surprising diversity of beliefs
4. Travel Tips: taxis, tours and Tel Aviv
5. Random Things I Learned: fun trivia

Disclaimer: these are observations and notes from a first-time-visitor 
and are in no way to be considered authoritative or comprehensive. 
No doubt this is an oversimplification of some complex and potentially 
contentious topics. And though I've made a best effort at accuracy, 
chances are I might have gotten a thing or two wrong.

Long distance business travel is a bit uncommon for me. A special thanks to my family for helping with the kids when I was out; to my coworkers in Israel for the warm welcome and great discussions; to my coworkers back in the USA for keeping things moving in my absence.

Notes:

1. Lots of the content in this series is general knowledge, hence the profuse links to Wikipedia. But some of the details I gleamed from Lonely Planet: Israel & the Palestinian Territories