Austrian Citizenship for Descendants of Holocaust Survivors
Michael Decker
Michael Decker
Halvor Ronning
Courteous, clear, efficient service.
Tomer Hila Birnbach
I received a recommendation from friends about the firm, and indeed every word is correct, a service team, professional, welcoming, a fair price for the work I requested, I am satisfied
Dumitrascu Cristina
Best lawyer house from Israel! I couldn’t dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive it’s how a true lawyer house can be!
Working in European market and international now, I couldn’t dare to let myself wide my wings on countries unknown to me. Definitely they’ll be the lawyers representing me, my business at every international aspect and on personal development.
When you hear Decker,Pex,Ofir &Co, you hear 10+ class services, luxurious professionals, confidentiality and exclusive attention to your needs.
Genaan Abdelall
I cannot recommend Nechama enough! Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients is unparalleled. From the moment I reached out to her, she provided clear and concise communication, and helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease.
Throughout the entire process, Nechama went above and beyond to ensure that I was informed and comfortable with every decision. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, and was able to offer sound advice that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
What sets Nechama apart is her compassionate and empathetic approach to her clients. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and it shows in the way she handles every case.
If you are in need of a lawyer, I highly recommend Nechama.
Arielle Bosch
Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. They are quick to respond, engaged, and obviously top-notch lawyers. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you, Joshua and Itamar for your help with our Joint Life Application. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. I appreciate your candor and evident integrity. Hope to work with you in the future, and will send everyone I know in need of legal aid your way. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Josh W-S
The firm had a quick response to my last-minute needs, they were helpful in communicating with me in English, and they fulfilled my needs in a timely fashion.
Esty A
I had a consultation with Batya and she was very helpful. She made sure I understood all the information I needed, and was patient with me in gathering documents I needed.
TarcisioePotira Freitas
I really recommend the law office's services. The service is very professional and efficient, the price is right. I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them.
Priscilla Moses
competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended
Israel iluz
We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way.
We highly recommend this law firm. They proved to be reliable, efficient and pleasant to work with.
Schruuf
We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier.
Sophie Cooperman
Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Explained the bad clauses in the contract, and their possible consequences. Thank you for your amazing job, your professionalism, your consultation and honesty. You showed me from your experience how it can be done differently. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer.
I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger.
Lauma Zariņa
This is definitely the best lawyer I know!!! very honest and super helpful he really helped me a lot dealing with immigration issues in Israel and it was very successful!
I highly recommend
Sergei m Vashkevich
We came to Mr. Joshua with so many questions (and most of all, with so many concerns and worries) …
When we explained our case to him, first of all, he calmed us down and helped us to see the big picture, which took away our fears;
Then he presented us with a detailed explanation and a few options to explore, and a timeline, how things work and necessary steps to undertake on our part,
We thank and highly recommend Mr. Joshua for showing us so much empathy, care and professionalism (!)
Prima Lorenzo
I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! They deserve more then 5 stars!! They are very friendly and professional. I've got Austrian citizenship in 4 months for all family members which consists of 12 people! The entire team is very friendly and responsive. They are always answering questions and support during the process. I recommend to everyone. Was 100% satisfied.
Adi Katina
Great Team. With no doubt, this office is actually thee best-leading office in Israel. Simply put, if you want your case to win, just join them, hand in your documents, and celebrate the victory.
Kindest regards,
Adi k.
Yossi Montrose
Very knowledgeable and professional
Gáspár Erőss
If you need to solve any complicated legal issue in Israel, don't hesitate to contact them. Otherwise you will loose hours/days/weeks with things that they can solve in minutes. They helped me to obtain my expert working visa in Israel and even after that they responded further questions and gave me advices related to administrative issues in Israel which saved me a lot of time. Irena Rosenberg and Michael Decker worked on my case, they are very professional and helpful. They will not let you down, feel free to contact them.
Michael and Ariellah Waizman
For Advocate Joshua Pex.
We were in a devastating situation when my wife received an order from the immigration office to leave Israel within 30 days, without any explanation, after we have been married and in the process for six and a half years. We heard of Advocate Pex through a friend of a friend. We contacted Mr. Pex and he was ready to help us when he heard of our situation.
The service is amazing! Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. The advice Mr. Pex gave us was great, such as what to do, he gave useful links, and advice about which officials to contact. The price for the service was great!
The process until we received the extension for another year for my wife was not long (3 months). Things started moving once Mr. Pex came into the picture.
We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! We achieved our goal and the fear of deportation has been lifted!
Наталья Мажуга
Great lawyers Joshua Pex and Nechama and Michael Deker who really want to help you and I have very trustful relationships with them. All my cases they took they won. Thank you and let’s keep working together
Amir Abt
The best lawyer firm I’ve had dealt with. I would like to thank Anat Levi and Ariel Galili from the Jerusalem branch for all of their efforts and patience, we could not have been Able to reach to where we are now without them
Shaltiel Devorah
Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.
Stuart Safft
I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. We will be forever grateful for all of the help, guidance and support which Ariel Galili of Decker, Pex & Co. provided through this process.
I am a Jewish, 80-year-old American, and my wife is not Jewish. We had started the process on our own back in November 2020 via the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh, but soon became entangled in the delays and often-changing regulations due to Covid-19. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department.
We found Decker, Pex & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. Ariel did a superb job of leading us through the process, helping us to understand which documents were essential, which would most likely be required, and which, though included on the list of required documents, were rarely required. He helped us several times to understand what was likely and unlikely to occur as “the next step.” Helping us manage our expectations was extremely useful to us.
Besides his knowing the laws, regulations and procedures, Ariel also made us feel that he was truly interested in helping us to successfully work through this process in as smooth, timely, and frustration-free manner as possible.
My wife and I strongly recommend anyone planning to go through this process seriously consider hiring Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. and, specifically, Ariel Galili.
Michael Soffer
I would like to recommend Attorney Yehuda Elcharar. He assisted both me and my company in a complex lawsuit. He handled negotiations that led to a favorable outcome much quicker than expected.
I am extremely pleased with choosing Attorney Elcharar. Many thanks also to the office team, Oz and Chaya, for their assistance throughout the entire process.
Thanks again ????
Kfir Cohen
We were searching for a law firm that will be honest with us and really work hard for a satisfying result, it wasn't an easy task
We found them online; they were the only law firm from all of our searchings which were completely honest and NOT gave us just what we wanted to hear
Using them guaranteed honesty above all. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result
They really care about helping their customers without any other interest
Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result
We definitely recommend using them
David De La Rosa
Very friendly, professional, and effective, highly recommended
lynn vonne
Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.
Marce Ruth St. Rey
Party time in the heart, my beloved husband received his residence after so much time of battles and faith. Gratitude, God has blessed us with wonderful beings who have accompanied us, including a "precious angel" who touched our hearts, our excellent and fantastic lawyer: Maria Chernin Dekel, sweet and wonderful human being, who has guided us and stayed On our side. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. God bless you dear Maria, you have exceeded your professional duty by containing us and collaborating with us in hard times, very hard, for that we want to thank you publicly, you are unique!!!
We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm.
Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. I reported directly to him for various activities I performed as in intern. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. He is completely trustworthy and high caliber in his work. His partners and employees are very blessed to work with him. I am honored to know them.
Heather Lebrun
Eden Weiss
Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.
Shurouq Hajyassin
We were very satisfied with the consultation we had.
You were very straightforward with us , You tried to help us in every way you could . we really appreciate that.
And of course the fast reply we got from you on our emails and the appointment you gave us .
You deserve more than 5 stars????
Sveta Vashkevich
We (myself and my husband) came to Mr. Joshua Pex – for his professional advice – and we received such human warmth and caring attitude, that our hearts melted …
His attention to our details and our situation peculiarities, combined with his professionalism and knowledge, helped us to map out what needs to be done on our part: we appreciate and recommend You, Mr. Joshua!
Dongdiet & Nellie
We are very happy with the services. Somehow they managed to translate the law lingo into language we actually understand 😉 and their outstanding YouTube videos helped us to have a better grasp of what process we had to go through. Their patience, clear explanation and experience are very valuable. It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch.
Greg Olson
We highly recommend Adv. Mike Decker and have know him for many years. He has helped our family with many battles over the years. We recently received our permanent residency after 23 years in Israel. We so much appreciate Mike’s representation of us.
Michelle Long
Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I have needed legal advice and assistance with immigration due to a complex situation of mine, and he has been extremely available and responsive, honest and clear about my route and how to proceed. Very much recommended!
Paul Prince
The team of lawyers and assistants are incredibly professional. Aiming to give their clients the advice possible regarding the normative and the law of Israel. With well trained and professional secretary at the front desk to the lawyers team, I could say that I had one of the most professional services possible. I'm super glad of choosing Joshua Pex of Law office for immigration solution, lawyers to advise in my case, to me, it is remarkable.
YK C
We had a pleasure of working with Irena Rosenberg who assisted in getting our two U.S. born children registered in Israel and supported visa process for my wife in 2021. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to move to Israel where I am originally from after living in the U.S. for over 20 years, but we had no idea how to go about securing visas before and after arriving in Israel. Irena is knowledgeable, reliable and competent lawyer who always had answers to all our questions which made us feel confident that everything would be fine with her assistance. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer.
Matthias Oppliger
I have been receiving services from this Law Firm for several years now and I want to say THANK YOU to the team, especially Joshua Pex. They are doing outstanding work. The services I have received for both our Israeli non profit association but also our social business have helped us solve many issues at hand and provided solutions in complicated situations. Personally, I am grateful for support in visa issues as a foreigner living now in Israel for many years.
Morgan Jones
The team at Decker, Pex & Co have been awesome to work with in helping our US company establish banking in Israel and in providing counsel for legal needs in Israel. I highly recommend!
Alexander P Gutterman
EU PASSPORT ! Big news! Thanks to Michael Decker and the other good people at the law office, as well as to the virtue of my ancestors, the cruelty of the Inquisition, reparations issued in the Iberian Peninsula, and etc, I am delighted to be on track for Portuguese and European Union Citizenship! A truly incredible development and one which brings me deep joy.
Jacob Newberry
A really excellent firm. They knew exactly how to handle my situation effectively and efficiently, and we got the result I needed without much fuss. Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help!
Andreas Kelling
We have been working with Decker, Pex & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well.
Lilian Granovsky
I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.
Last September (2019) the Austrian parliament in Vienna announced that it would recognize the descendants of Austrian Holocaust survivors as eligible to receive Austrian citizenship. In Israel and all around the world there are thousands of descendants of Austrian Holocaust survivors who are able to receive this citizenship without fear of renouncing another existing citizenship. In addition, the family members will enjoy the benefits of the European passport that accompanies the Austrian citizenship. Contact us to receive Austrian citizenship by virtue of being a descendant of Holocaust survivors. The new law will come into effect in September 2020, however, anyone who is eligible can begin the process of collecting documents and preparing the application right now.
Our law office specializes in matters of immigration, examining eligibility for Austrian citizenship, and acquiring citizenship in North American countries (United States and Canada), Britain, and Europe (Portuguese passport). We have a variety of tools at our disposal -experience and professionalism – to assist you in receiving Austrian citizenship in accordance with the new legislation.
Who Qualifies for Austrian Citizenship as Descendants of Holocaust Survivors?
The citizenship is intended for the direct descendants of Holocaust survivors, i.e. – children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. It should be clarified that the law is valid even for non-Jews.
Holocaust survivors, according to the Austrian law, are victims of Nazi persecution. This means survivors of extermination camps, those who hid during the war or fled from the Nazis, and so on.
New Law vs. Old Law – Eligibility for Austrian Citizenship
The current law recognizes the descendants of Holocaust survivors as eligible for Austrian citizenship, providing that their ancestors left Austria before or during the year 1945. However, the new law that will come into effect in September 2020 recognizes the descendants of Holocaust survivors who fled the country up until the date of 15 May 1955 as eligible for citizenship.
In addition, in regards to Austrian citizenship for Holocaust survivors, the law establishes that anyone born in the countries of Hungary, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, yet lived in Austria up until 1955, will be eligible for Austrian citizenship as well.
How is the New Law Different from the Old Law?
As stated above, the new law allows the Holocaust survivors who left Austria up until the year 1955 to receive Austrian citizenship, different from the old law which is only valid until the year 1945. On top of that, the new law also allows the descendants of Holocaust survivors (matrilineally) to receive citizenship. This is different from the old law, which only grants citizenship to the descendants of male Holocaust survivors (patrilineally).
After the war many victims were left childless, orphaned, sick, and financially impoverished. For this reason, they were prevented from emigrating from Austria and were forced to stay in order to regain their health, look for family members who were lost, and so on. The new law allows the descendants of these victims who remained in Austria until 1955 to receive citizenship.
Not only that, but the anti-Semitic law that was enacted in 1921 was repealed, a law which established that Jews from the Danubian Principalities (Moldova and Romania) will not be able to receive Austrian citizenship.
Who is not Allowed to Apply for Austrian Citizenship for Holocaust Survivors?
Please note that someone convicted of serious crimes – such as taking part in terrorist attacks, attempting to harm Austrian democracy – financial crimes, or other grave crimes, will not be eligible to receive Austrian citizenship.
How Can You Prove Your Eligibility for Austrian Citizenship?
The candidate must submit documents attesting that he, his father, his mother, his grandfather, and so on, lived in Austria and was persecuted by the Nazis. Additionally, you must prove the link between different family members (children to whom the request applies) and between the family member that was a victim of Nazi persecution.
The necessary documents for requesting an Austrian passport are these:
A signed application to receive citizenship, including the story of the Holocaust survivor, a detailed resumé of his time in Austria. This will contain information such as the victim’s career path, military service, nationality, addresses, etc.
Birth certificate.
Valid passport.
Proof of Austrian citizenship at the time of emigration, such as an Austrian or German passport, certificate of residency, certificate of exile, etc.
Proof of acquisition of Israeli, American, or any other citizenship.
Proof of name change from a marriage / divorce certificate, military service, academic diploma, or any official document that proves connection to the country.
Proof of the time of emigration from Austria.
It is important to emphasize that the process of submitting documents to the Austrian Government Office will be free of charge. It is possible that the Austrian Government Office may request additional documents.
You will be required to submit birth certificates and foreign marriage certificates with an apostille or legalization from the embassy.
Reapplying to Acquire Austrian Citizenship—Expedited Procedure
Between the years of 1933-1945 the citizenship of many Austrian Jews was denied. In some cases citizenships were denied because they chose to emigrate to another country after the disasters that befell them in Austria. Currently, their descendants have the ability to reapply for Austrian citizenship without renouncing any additional citizenship. For this process there is a different and faster procedure.
Reacquisition of Austrian citizenship is not limited at this time, and it applies to anyone who was forced to renounce Austrian citizenship in the past in order to emigrate or receive another citizenship.
Renewed acceptance of citizenship is valid from the day the request is submitted to the aforementioned authority in the Austrian government. It is important to clarify that in the reacquisition process the citizenship does not naturally pass down to the children of the petitioner; however, his descendants can ratify their own request in an additional proceeding.
Thank you to Mr. Yehonatan Gavrielov for writing the article.
Contact a Lawyer for Immigration to Austria
Our law office represents the descendants of Austrian Jewry. If your father’s or mother’s family emigrated from Austria between the years of 1933-1955, we can help you receive an Austrian passport. Our offices are located in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. To receive advice and assistance in obtaining an Austrian passport, contact us at the numbers below. Thank you.
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