Zahal has started his career as free lance insurance agent in Israel in 1978 and joined Keshet Insurance company in 1982; in 1990, Zahal founded Business Navigation Synergy Group which he managed until 1997. His subsequent business enterprises have taken him to Romania, where he set up SOS Medical and Ambulance Emergency Services.

He also served as Romania Country Manager for Euromedic International between 2001 and 2005. Zahal was awarded the “Doctor Honoris Causa” Academic title by “Aurel Vlaicu” University, Arad, Romania.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I have arrived to Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria in the year of 1998. Since then I have had "3 homes", and I am also travelling to my fourth and main one, Israel, where my homeland is. I was in medical insurance management for many years, and I was looking for a change. As it happens for many of us, an opportunity brought me to Eastern Europe. Since then I had a lot of interest and fun building companies and projects in Health Insurance, private medical centres, emergency services and more.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No, my experience in Eastern Europe was my first Expat experience. However, in my youth, my father took us to live in Africa. I remember this as a very positive experience, and I think this is "when the bug" was planted in my personality.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Hungary is an organised and neat place. The people are nice and the young generation is promising. I was surprised with the amount of nationalism and anger you hit in the life here.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
I am a hunter of Antiques. I am happy to affiliate in any activities of this kind, wherever it is.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
I love Hungarian food, Goose liver and other goose dishes are YUMMIE.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Spices and quality meat for my cooking hobbies.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Is this already covered :)

8. What do you miss the most from home?
My children, so often they come here to see share, and taste the flavours of this wonderful land.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Cooking. Anyone knows about a free job?

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Accountant or lawyer. But some of my best friends are accountants and lawyers :)

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Athens, one of my Mediterranean preferred places.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In Israel. The nicest place on the planet. Come over to see.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I had a very loaded and full teen life, with many hobbies.
I grew bees (hives), and was a counsellor in the Boy Scouts.

14. What can't you resist?
An invitation to the Opera.

15. Red wine or white?
Red for heavy meals, cold white for a nice fish dish in a summer day in my garden.

16. Book or movie?
I prefer movies; two of my favourites are The King's Speech and The King and I.

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning, very early morning.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
I can not tolerate racism and social injustice. I raise my hand and voice against it when I happen to see it.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
You can see the opening motto on my private website: "Winning is all in the mind"