Surge in Israeli Applications for German Citizenship

In depth

Since 2023, about 170,000 applications have been submitted in Germany to restore citizenship to people whose citizenship was revoked during the Nazi regime. Starting in 2021, the right also extends to the descendants of the persecuted. Close to 45 percent of the applications were submitted by Israelis.

Last year, 11,500 applications for citizenship were approved in Germany, of which 5,924 were from Israelis. In the year before that, 2024, 3,640 applications from Israelis were approved. The number of passports issued to Israelis rose by 60% last year compared with the year before.

The surge is attributed to the repercussions of October 7. Sociologist Mark Fox said that the very existence of an escape plan has proven its worth throughout Jewish history.