Sir Michael Moritz wants German citizenship over 'hostility' to Jews
BBC World
March 3, 2026
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Sir Michael Moritz, one of the UK's wealthiest individuals and a descendant of Jewish families persecuted under the Nazis, has decided to apply for German citizenship as an "insurance policy" against rising anti-Semitism in Britain and the United States. The billionaire expressed concerns about the growing hostility towards Jews in both countries, citing personal experiences and anecdotes from his family's history. Moritz, who already holds UK and US passports, believes Germany stands out as a place where the lessons of the Holocaust are deeply ingrained in education and societal consciousness, offering him a sense of security that his ancestors lacked during the Nazi era.
Moritz, known for his investments in tech giants like Yahoo and Google, which made him billions during the dot-com boom, revealed these sentiments while discussing his memoir *Ausländer* (German for "foreigner"). The book details his family's harrowing experiences under the Nazis, including the persecution and murder of his paternal grandparents and other relatives. He shared how he found evidence of his great-uncle Oskar Moritz and cousin Mira Marx being photographed by Gestapo guards before their deaths. These historical traumas have left a lasting impact on Moritz, shaping his perspective on anti-Semitism today.
Sir Michael also criticized the UK's business environment, arguing it has become less attractive compared to the US and China. He highlighted how anti-Semitism in Britain is particularly concerning, with examples such as Jewish schools in north-west London feeling compelled to hide their identities to avoid discrimination. The attack on a synagogue near his cousins' home in Manchester further underscored his belief that Britain is "far more hostile" than the US for Jews. His decision to seek German citizenship reflects not only a personal desire for safety but also a broader concern about the persistence of anti-Semitism in modern society.
The move by Moritz, a prominent figure in global business and philanthropy, underscores growing tensions over minority rights and historical memory in Western democracies. His choice of Germany as a refuge highlights its reputation for confronting its past, contrasted with what he perceives as complacency or rising intolerance elsewhere. As the world grapples with resurgent nationalism and
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026