Survey: Over a Third of Israelis Say Rise in Anti-Semitism Increases Need for Foreign Passport

More than a third of Israelis believe that the rise in global anti-Semitism increases the need for a foreign passport, according to a recent survey conducted by the Integration Institute. The survey, which included 502 respondents from the Jewish sector aged 18 and over, was commissioned by Adv. Joshua Pex of the Decker-Fax-Levy office, which specializes in foreign citizenship matters. The findings reveal a growing concern among Israelis about the impact of anti-Semitic incidents on their personal security and future.

The survey comes amid a global surge in anti-Semitic activity. The J7 report, which aggregates data from the seven largest Jewish communities in the Diaspora, recorded over 23,000 anti-Semitic incidents in 2025 alone. In the United States, more than 9,300 incidents of anti-Semitic assault, harassment, and vandalism were documented in 2024, the highest number since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking such data over four decades ago. Europe also saw a sharp increase, with France reporting a rise from 436 incidents in 2022 to over 1,600 in 2023, and the trend continuing into 2024.

In France, anti-Semitic incidents accounted for nearly two-thirds of all anti-religious incidents, despite Jews making up a small minority of the population. This underscores the disproportionate impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish communities worldwide. The survey highlights how these developments have influenced Israelis’ perceptions of safety and security, prompting a reevaluation of their long-term plans.

The survey’s results suggest a paradox: as anti-Semitism grows globally, so too does the desire among Israelis to obtain additional citizenship. Over a third of respondents stated that the increase in anti-Semitism significantly or very much increases their need for a foreign passport. A quarter said it moderately or slightly increases the need, while nearly a fifth claimed it has little effect, and just under a quarter said it does not affect their decision at all.

Notably, the survey found that the perception of anti-Semitism’s impact on citizenship needs is consistent across income levels. Approximately 35% of Israelis with low, average, and high incomes expressed the same level of concern. This uniformity is unusual, as economic factors typically show clear disparities in public opinion. The findings suggest that the threat of anti-Semitism is perceived as a universal concern, transcending economic status.

The survey also examined broader attitudes toward citizenship and identity. While economic factors often influence decisions about foreign passports, the growing fear of anti-Semitism appears to be a dominant factor. This reflects a broader shift in how Israelis view their place in the world, balancing national identity with the need for security and opportunity.

As anti-Semitism continues to rise, the survey highlights the complex interplay between global tensions and personal security. The desire for additional citizenship among Israelis is not merely a practical decision but a response to a perceived existential threat. This dynamic raises important questions about the future of Jewish identity and the role of citizenship in ensuring safety and stability.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)