Just returned from a whirlwind trip to visit A4e's operations in Israel. Non stop - I met so many people, I spoke at a large conference, I spoke to hundreds of staff individually and in large groups, I met clients, made many impromptu speeches, listened to (and did my best to answer) tens of questions, met with our charitable supporters, ate and drank with homeless people, leaders of institutions, colleagues and Alizia Olmert ( the PM's wife).  

My overall impressions?

Wonderful people full of life, energy and emotion. Determined, funny, opinionated - as Alizia said - all Israelis think they are the PM!

I spoke in a large room to more than a hundred staff - it was very funny. The translating, the comments, the chats going on while I was speaking, the endless mobile phones - very very funny. The poor old managers - worried that I might be insulted. I loved it. Life - and full of it.

One night at dinner - I enjoyed myself immensely explaining the different cultures that A4e works in - and the potential for misunderstandings.

In Israel I think the mobile phone usage really stands out as a point of difference. The dinner table collapsed with laughter when I eventually explained (after they had all taken calls at the table) that an English person would rather fart than allow their mobile to ring at the dinner table or in a conference. He he...

So thank you to everyone who welcomed me to Israel - I had a great time and learnt loads - please keep in touch - and remember the comments I made to you. There is a lot you can teach the rest of us - please reach out and do so. 

Yours

Emma