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A common misconception people have is that European citizenship and EU Passport can only be obtained if one has documents proving lineage. The fact is that not having documents proving lineage, does not lead to your disqualification of eligibility.
In many cases the required documents can be obtained in the European country of origin!
Having European citizenship offers more than one benefit, besides the fact that it makes traveling far easier than with a South African passport…
As we are all fully aware of the current situation in South Africa where we face many uncertainties not just for today but for our children’s future too.
While we are still having it relatively good here. We know that the time will come where as Jews we will look for alternative options. Then having a European citizenship will be that tool we are looking for.
As we know, the majority of South African Jews are descendants of Jews whose European citizenship was illegally deprived, and therefore you are now entitled to reinstate it and obtain your EU passport.
The most important thing to take into consideration is understanding that prior to the end of WWII, the European map was very different from the one we know today.
Countries like Poland and Lithuania did not exist as independent countries, and till 1918 these territories were only known as Lithuanian or Polish regions/countries of the Great Russia Empire who ruled all of north eastern Europe.
Until 1918 residents of these territories were of Russian citizenship – as Polish and Lithuanian citizenships did not exist. Therefore applications for reinstatement of these citizenships can only be based on if one’s ancestor was a Polish or Lithuanian citizen.
However, a descendant of an ancestor who left Europe prior to 1918 – will not be eligible.
In addition, since borders in Europe were shifted during and after WWII, one’s eligibility for a Polish or Lithuanian citizenship depends on the City from which his/her ancestor lived in. Where borders shifted and cities changed nationalities Jews who left Vilnus and its region will be declined where as a similar application for reinstatement of Polish citizenship could be approved.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. With only a 4 hour flight to Warsaw and Vilnius this enables me to arrive quickly and safely to Poland and Lithuania, where I closely collaborate with local professionals in assisting me trace required documents for your successful applications to reinstate you as an European citizen.
“Having lived in Poland for 7 years I have great in-depth understanding of European immigration laws.”
I have been operating in the South African market with our Jewish communities since March 2018, and visit every 3-4 months which will allow us to meet in-person.
Advocate Avi Horesh will be in Cape Town during the second half of February 2025 and available to meet in-person.
You can reach me on – WhatsApp: +48 783 953 223, Email: adv.avi.n.horesh@gmail.com
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