Reading the headlines and the staunch proclamations of loyalty between the U.S. and Israel on the defense front, it’s easy to assume that business deals between the two countries happen naturally.
Nothing could be further from the truth, writes Tom Glaser, the former president of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce (now conexx) in a recent column for the Times of Israel.
The directness of Israelis can come off as brash to Americans, who sometimes don’t understand how their Israeli counterparts miss the nuances of America’s business culture and competitive landscape, especially when it comes to mergers.
Mr. Glaser explores the issue in a profile of Kobi Rasner, a consultant and author who has literally written the book (in Hebrew) on business relationships between the two countries: “Selling Horses to Cowboys.” Mr. Rasner made a presentation on the topic at the conexx professional seminar in September.
In a separate column, Mr. Glaser showcases an American who exemplifies the economic potential of bridging this gap. Mark Gilreath is presented as a “business friend” of Israel who came by his love of the country organically through business ventures including the hugely successful pill camera company Given Imaging and later, Endochoice, another fast-growing endoscopy firm he founded. Both have significant bases in Atlanta and research arms in Israel.
Mr. Glaser recounts an email sent by Mr. Gilreath in July during a trip to Israel during the conflict with Gaza in July, where he saw his employees working industriously under the sound of rocket sirens that sent them periodically into bomb shelters.
“Honestly, it was frightening. It’s very difficult for me to imagine this as a routine experience for my family and children. I continue to be amazed by the strength of our colleagues in Israel,” Mr. Gilreath wrote.
This mutual respect underscores the potential for even more collaboration between the countries, despite their cultural differences, Mr. Glaser writes, ending column with a note of optimism.
“Israelis are lucky to have Mark Gilreath standing with them during good times and bad. He should be an inspiration to American business leaders as well as to the Jewish community that U.S. – Israel business ties are worth the effort.”
Visit Mr. Glaser’s blog on the Times of Israel’s website here.