I’m interested in reporting on Israelis who have moved to Germany after October 7, perhaps claiming German citizenship in the process. There have been several major changes to German citizenship law in the past five years, including allowing for dual citizenship last summer. Germany also has a pathway to citizenship for Jews who are descended from victims of the Holocaust, a provision that was significantly expanded in 2021. Now, there’s reporting suggesting that a growing number of Israelis are interested in leaving Israel, particularly those on the left. Germany’s ambassador to Israel told Haaretz last week that “it’s not a coincidence” that more and more Israelis are moving abroad. Haaretz has also reported that the number of Israelis applying for German citizenship had dramatically spiked in the first six months of 2024 (and there’s interesting angles about families of hostages being expedited for German citizenship, even though they plan to stay in Israel).
In Berlin, I plan to focus on Israelis who have moved for political reasons. I’m interested in how they’ve integrated themselves into the city’s culture, and how they think through their decision (and ability) to immigrate while lawmakers are looking to narrow other avenues to citizenship. In April, Germany eliminated a pathway to citizenship where applicants could obtain a German passport with just three years of German residence. On the macro level, I’ll also be pursuing government data to help quantify this phenomenon post-October 7; Israelis moving to Germany has long been a fascination of a small group of academic researchers, but it’s not clear how significantly demand has spike. My sense is that it’s significant.
I’ll be speaking to researchers at the DeZIM institute, a think tank studying migration that is in the middle of a study of cultural assimilation in Berlin’s Jewish population. I’m hopeful to find a neighborhood, or even just a block, where high concentrations of Israeli immigrants have settled. I’m also in the process of reaching out to Israeli activists in Berlin who have been outspoken about Gaza as potential central characters.
One other dimension that needs to be fleshed out is Israeli tech workers and startup founders. As Israel’s international reputation flounders, do they have an easier time acquiring seed funding or contracts if they’re based in Germany or another Western European country? I may start with talking to Bard students in Berlin. but do not yet have a plan beyond that.
Perhaps naturally, I’m interested in asking the AfD about Jewish citizenship and Jewish voters. Do they want Jewish Israelis in the tent? Do they consider them “German”? Are they committed to preserving this pathway even as they look to curb citizenship opportunities for people from other countries?
