It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well. If you are applying yourself, you can either send the documents or come to Portugal and submit them in person. All Jews share the same Synagogue, Shar Tikva, which has kept the original post Inquisition Sephardic Moroccan ritual. Do I have to reside in Portugal? I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them. Jewish Community of Lisbon Tel: +351 213 931 130; sephardi.naturalization@comunidadeisraelitalisboa.org; www.cilisboa.org. This group of Jews, mostly Poles, would play a remarkable role in the dynamization of this religious space, a singular synagogue, characterized by its openness to the outside, tolerance and understanding for Jews . Once submitted, youll be given an access code so you can check the status of your application and then you wait. 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! Today, although smaller in number and with a tendency for gradual assimilation, the community keeps its essential services running: Synagogue, Cemetery, Social Center, Somej Nophlim Charitable Association. After all, they were fleeing Portugal and Spain so its unlikely they would have wanted to maintain a tie to it. We reiterate the importance of using this model in order to simplify the analysis. competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. When we started looking into her family, we saw her grandmother [Trevors great great grandmother] had the surname De Pinna and we thought maybe she wasnt entirely Jewish or maybe she was Italian? Can you suggest any genealogist and lawyers we can use? Our Customer Service Staff does a pre-analysis withoutcommitment of any advance donation or final approval obligation. By Decree-Law, it is mandatory to hold a certificate issued by the Portuguese Jewish Communities - duly registered locally under the status of religious legal entities, that is, the Jewish Communities of Lisbon (CIL) and of Porto (CIP). You can either apply yourself or use a specialist service who will help you with the application and make sure that you have all the necessary documents. In 1143, when King D. Afonso Henriques received recognition of Portugal as an independent kingdom, the Jews had been present on the Iberian Peninsula for over a millennium. They are doing outstanding work. Lisbon Jewish Community web site. Jonah paid around $1350, which also included his flight to Washington, DC, where the Portuguese embassy is located which was essential as he was applying from the US. Portuguese citizenship comes with a number of benefits, not least a Portuguese passport which gives you the right to live and work in Portugal and other EU countries. They were people with an above average cultural level, knowing how to read and write and speaking, besides the liturgical Hebrew, Arabic or English and the Haketia, jewish-hispanic-moroccan dialect. Nationality due to Sephardic progeny. This new criteria is confusing, but it shouldnt take too long too work out whether you meet this criteria. These include the community of Porto or Lisbon. A Certification Committee to issue the certificates to be mailed to the applicants or to their legal representatives. Between 1826-1835 Poland, Russia, and other Central and Eastern Europe countries required separate Jewish birth, marriage, and death records be kept in areas where several Jewish families lived. * We remind that this pre-analysis is not binding and definitive and does not mean the final approval of your process, checking in advance whether the process is eligible for due study and historical analysis in order to apply for Portuguese Nationality based on Decree-Law no. June 17, 2022 . Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. if possible, could you by chance share the names of one or two reliable laywers in Portugal? He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. Links. The fact that anyone arrested by the Inquisition was subject to having his property confiscated insured that the campaign was carried out with alacrity. The new process will be announced by September 2022, and the Jewish community will not issue new recommendations after 30.04.22. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. We have Portuguese Friends. The sumptuous Synagogue of Shaar Tikva is a must-see when you want to meet Lisbon's Jewish community. Registering a Public-Benefit Company in Israel, UAE NGO Permits to the Palestinian Territories, Registration for Foreign NGOs Operating in Israel. We have been working with Decker, Pex Ofir & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. The Shaar-Tikv synagogue celebrates 100 years, see here. Youll find all the contacts below. Only three of them will be mentioned: SOMEJ-NOPHLIM(Amparo dos Pobres): Created in 1865 by Simo Anahory with the purpose of helping the poor. Dont scrimp on the paperwork either: in Portugal, the rule is always the more paperwork the better. ECONOMIC KITCHEN (COZINHA ECONMICA): founded in 1899 it played, just like the Hebrew Hospital, a crucial role during the 2nd World War. Certified Document Proving Sephardic Jewish Heritage Portuguese authorities will accept proof of Sephardic Jewish heritage if one obtains a certificate from the Portuguese Jewish community in either Porto or Lisbon. EU PASSPORT ! Thanks for all you do! Make no mistake, there are a lot of documents and many of these need to be notarised and later apostilled. Launched the first stone in 1902, the Shaar-Tikv Synagogue is finally inaugurated in 1904, culminating a more than 50 years old effort of the Jews of Lisbon. Neither CIL (the Lisbon community) nor CIP (the Porto community) make their records public, so in a sense youre doing things blind but, unfortunately, thats just a part of the process. Furthermore, following the recent scandal, the government of Portugal may choose a different authority to veto the descent of prospective applicants. Best lawyer house from Israel! The Jewish Community of Lisbon (Portuguese: Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa - CIL) was officially recognized in 1913. Owner: Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL), Agency: Marqus de Pombal (Lisboa - Portugal), New applicants and general information - click here, Phones:+351 213 931 130 (Portuguese/English). I couldnt dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. In this article, we will explain how a Jewish community certification can help you in obtaining status as a Portuguese citizenship, and what other steps are required to complete the process. Financed by Joint and other international Jewish institutions, the community kept the Economic Kitchen/cuisine?? In addition to the first Jewish quarter, in Pedreira neighbourhood . A valid and specific power of attorney (when not presented by the applicant himself). Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. Trevor was able to obtain the records via UCLA, who had copies of the records, but has since visited Bevis Marks and says that theyre very open to working with people who are trying to trace their heritage. Genealogical According to the Conservatria dos Registos Centrais the certificates issued by the Jewish communities must be followed by the applicants genealogical tree. The majority of Jews are scattered throughout Portugal and not affiliated with religious communities. How long does it take? Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. The Jewish community in Lisbon released an official document earlier this month announcing a return to full activity after ceasing to issue new permits for Portuguese citizenship processes. Birth certificate issued in the previous six months. Officials in Washington and Spain have. The first step towards the official recognition of the Hebrew Community of Lisbon dates back to 1868, when a license is conceded by the Government, through a charter from D.Lus giving the Jews of Lisbon permission to install a cemetery for the burial of their coreligionists. At that point, he decided to investigate further. Despite the expedited application, however, with research included the entire process still took around 17 months. It's a great way to share success, ask questions, and stay informed of the happenings throughout the Jewish genealogical community. They said that the Portuguese Government had not responded to their request for clarification on citizenship for people of Sephardic ancestry. We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. Construction of the Shaar Tikv Synagogue. Public liability and personal accidents insurance. No. As a result of the war, locating work in Western Europe was nearly impossible. Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Please note that our internal Experts Committee verifies the information provided but does not run genealogical studies itself. Click here to get in contact with us. For example, duringpassover, his family would always eat rice, something that is very specific to Sephardic Jews. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way. Highly Recommended. Thank you for your guidance and support. 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. I imagine this must be tiring re-sharing with everyone who asks, but would it be possible to share with me your list of suggested lawyers. Spouses may apply later for citizenship through the Portuguese Central Registry Office, not under this law amendment or its provisions but as any foreign spouse of a Portuguese citizen. Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result Private Jewish Heritage Tour of Lisbon. There is no such requirement concerning the issuing of Jewish Community of Lisbons certification and our community has neither a special partnership with any law office nor shall recommend any specific one. News. The support to the refugees of World War II. Later, in 1916, this association will open the Hebrew Hospital that came to play such an important role in supporting the Jewish refugees during the 2nd World War. Once you have citizenship you can request your passport. Once recognition is obtained, the task of granting the status of a Portuguese citizen falls to the government of Portugal. - March 1, 2023. The Portuguese Jews played an important role in this period in the support of refugees, first through the creation of the Portuguese Commission for the Assistance of the Jewish Refugees in Portugal directed by Augusto Esaguy, and later directly through the Communitys own refugee support section, chaired by Moiss Amzalak and whose great promoter was Elias Baruel. Can my spouse be granted nationality as well? Portugal Jewish community to end work with state in certifying citizenship The announcement comes in light of the investigation into Roman Abramovich's Portugese citizenship By ZVIKA KLEIN. The family tree should be as complete as possible, based in the submitted documentation. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier. I can highly recommend these services! In June 1941 Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the future Lubavitcher Rebbe, arrived in Lisbon together with his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Moussia). Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help! Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive its how a true lawyer house can be! Each member of the family, including the children, should file the application separately although, for the purpose of the certification issued by our community (step 1 above), having already checked the documentation of a member of the same family does make it easier to check the documentation. Rua Alexandre Herculano, 59 Lisbon 1250-010. But let's just quick gather the facts in few words: Portugal became an independent country back in 1143, almost one thousand years old, but the Jewish population already existed in Portugal for a long time. With this letter, we can apply and get the clock started on the 24-29 month wait for citizenship. This coming, increasingly growing, may give a new configuration to the Jewish community in Portugal. We can help you turn that letter into a Portuguese citizenship. International Association of Jewish Genealogy Associations. We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm. Photos: Oded Kaizerman/Anash.org. I am so impressed and in awe of all the work you have done to become a Portuguese citizen. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer. Included are names, ages, birth information, profession, citizenship of refugees, as well as the names and addresses of relatives abroad. The Lisbon Jewish Community (CIL) has confirmed it will continue the process of certifying descendants of Sephardic Jews for the purposes of a law under which they can secure Portuguese nationality, despite the criminal investigation into alleged irregularities on the part of the Jewish Community of Porto (CIP) in the naturalisation of Roman Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I feel most at home when Im in Lisbon, says Jonah, who has already spent time living in Portugal. The registration certificate is mandatory for European Union and other citizens (*) intending to stay in Portugal for longer than 3 months. That evidence, along with your family tree, is submitted to the Portuguese Jewish community in either Porto or Lisbon. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch. Ultimately, your goal is to put together clear evidence that you have Sephardic Jewish heritage. I am interested in finding some good lawyers who speak English. The Jewish community in Kobe, Japan compiled this list of European refugees and their relatives overseas, so that JDC can solicit aid from family members. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They conclude that the Government shares their understanding that any application received by the Jewish Community of Lisbon by 31 August . And while the Jewish Communities were delegated governmental authority for the purpose of recognizing applicants as descended from Jews, they are otherwise unconnected to the government. We found Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. The next stage, researching the family tree, will take considerably longer. Hi James, Please check with our Customer Service information about donations to do this process. We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. Jonah also speaks Portuguese, and has managed to get himself to roughly the C1-level by studying for around 3 hours per day for more than 18 months. Timeframes for the application vary, but most people should expect the process to take around 2 years. Considering this historical heritage, the Portuguese Citizenship Act (Lei da Nacionalidade) was amended as to permit the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship by the descendants of Portugal's Sephardic Jews. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. Was 100% satisfied. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. If/when possible, evidence of some level of ladino speaking proficiency/culture will be highly appreciated although its not a must. In 1515 the king requested to establish an inquisition to systematically persecute New Christians, but it was initially denied by the Pope. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive its how a true lawyer house can be! Make your donation here. 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. I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result All files sent digitally must be accompanied by a SINGLE file with the necessary documents, in PDF, A4 format, There is also many believe an economic incentive to the scheme as well: attracting Jews, particularly from countries like the US and Canada, many of whom are extremely well-educated and successful in their fields, would have a very positive effect on the Portuguese economy. Any conviction with a crime punishable in Portugal with three years or more years imprisonment will make the applicant non-eligible; Power of attorney, when not presented by the applicant himself. 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. The best lawyer firm Ive had dealt with. About us. The Jewish Community of Lisbon. These donations will be used in the development and maintenance of our services and activities which guarantee the continuation of culture and traditions in our jewish community, as well as in the Portuguese society in general, through several solidarity programs with whom the community contributes. The biggest mystery in this is which lawyer to pick and when do I need a lawyer, says Jonah. Be patient, but also start early, says Trevor, whose aunt is also now applying. They also both provide a bullet-point list to guide you through the application. I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. However, King Manuel I of Portugal, who had initially issued a royal-decree law guaranteeing their protection, ordered in 1496 the expulsion of all Jews thatdid not convert to Catholicism. End your trip with walking tours in the cities of Porto and Lisbon . Explore the historic sites of vora and Belmonte, then make your way to the Douro Valley for a wine tasting and a river cruise. I have found a firm that sounds good, though, charges 5,000 euros for the whole process. On 1 June 2022 the Jewish Community of Lisbon issued a statement. Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. If you have recommendations on lawyers that would be greatly appreciated. He first contacted the Portuguese Law Firm in the Autumn of 2015 and then, once he had carried out sufficient research, was able to submit his application around a year later. I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger. The application should be presented to the Portuguese Central Registry Office (Conservatria dos Registos Centrais) in Lisbon and the Jewish Community of Lisbon has no involvement in the decision or even in the process. They really care about helping their customers without any other interest Birth certificate issued within the previous six month* 5. The Jewish Community of Porto certifies Jews from traditional families of the Sephardic communities of Portuguese origin, and the Jewish community of Lisbon also accepts applications from people who may not be Jewish or Sephardic today but whose genealogy shows some Sephardic connections to Portugal. I think I paid around 2,000 in the end, says Trevor, which isnt nothing, but I would rather know that this is going to happen rather than being stuck in limbo forever.. One of the country's most interesting remote villages is Belmonte, 3 hours by car from Lisbon, where in 1917, a Polish mining engineer named Samuel Schwarz discovered a community of Jews still living in secret for over 500 years. Our emigration law office specializes in helping the descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jews prove their ancestry so as to obtain a Portuguese passport. A simple letter will do. Lisbon Jewish Community - Official Site . Jonah personally has helped five people in these groups with their applications. Do I have to come to Portugal in person? Located at the number 59 of Alexandre Herculano Street, it had to be built inside a walled yard, since it was not allowed the construction with frontage to the public road of temples not of Catholic religion, then the official religion of the State. The Jewish Community of Lisbon (Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa) has appointed Rabbi Natan Peres, who formerly served in Manchester, London ( Lauderdale Road and Bevis Marks) and at the Esnoga in Amsterdam, to lead the congregation. Request a Resident Certificate. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer. Thankfully for Trevors aunt, family members who have the same family tree typically have a faster application process once one family member has already been accepted. General Support Specific Projects Planned Giving Wall of Honor. You may obtain further and accurate information at the nearest Portuguese Consulate. Then, the Jews were still considered a foreign colony, and the community had not yet been given legal existence. and must be sent through the We Transfer system. Application Form Model B - example List of documents. For Trevor, getting all the paperwork he needed wasnt hugely complicated. Some people already know that they have Sephardic Jewish heritage, while it can come as a surprise to others. A Jewish community certificate: first step to a Portuguese citizenship Contact Us: 03-3724722 | 055-9781688 | office@lawoffice.org.il Home About About Us Meet the Team Media Coverage Payment Areas of Practice Real Estate Lawyer Family Law Inheritance Lawyer Traffic Lawyer Notary Services in Israel Amutot and non-profit organizations Arnona In 1904 the Shaare Tikvah (Gates of Hope) Synagogue, still in use today, opened in Lisbon. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors or omissions or damages arising from its display or use. These factors explain the fast economic and cultural growth both of the Jews from Lisbon and of the groups that were installing in Faro and Azores in that first half of the 19th century. Thank you Under the impulse of Isaac Levy and Simo Anahory a process is started culminating in the creation, in 1897, of a committee for the edification of a unique synagogue, and the election of the 1st Committee of the Jewish community of Lisbon, whose honorary president is Abraham Bensade and the effective president Simo Anahory. Tribunals were set up in a number of towns in Portugal, but also in the kingdoms overseas possessions, namely Brazil, Goa and Cape Verde. A recommendation is currently a mandatory first step on the path to acquiring citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews, but the bureaucratic process still take several years after this point. But since the turn of the 21st century it has been experiencing a renaissance of its Jewish life. 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. Important Jewish communities settled in this region and contributed to the flourishing of Its trade and culture. Go to the Junta da Freguesia. The Sephardic synagogue offers traditional services, study groups, children's activities, and cultural events and houses documents and religious objects dating back to the 1300s. Full passport copy certified by a Portuguese Consulate or apostilled 3. In 1920 Captain Barros Bastos founded the Jewish community of Porto and embarked on a campaign to persuade crypto-Jews to return to the Judaism of their ancestors. Lisbon prosecutors and police searched Oporto's synagogue, the Jewish Museum and the houses of Jewish leaders. Thanks so much for the useful information. [More Info]. She didnt talk about her background very much, so we didnt know many details about her background. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The official recognition of the community and the construction of the synagogue brought a new impulse to the community life in Lisbon. jewish community lisbon certificate. Since submitting his application, he has been able to trace the family tree back to Amsterdam and even back to Portugal. Critics of schemes like this suggest that, while it may help Portugal right a historical wrong (somewhat), it doesnt necessarily help Portugal advance. ( New York Jewish Week) - A missed connection on the Brooklyn-bound 2 subway train sent the Jewish internet into a spiral this week, after stand-up comedian Chani Lisbon and her friend Yael. Immerse yourself in Jewish history and culture during this 4-hour private tour of Lisbon's Jewish community. You Could be Eligible for Portuguese Citizenship, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60724509, https://www.larraurimarti.com/en/amendments-portuguese-nationality-process-for-sephardim, People of Sephardic Ancestry Pursuing Portuguese Citizenship, Spanish & Portuguese Citizenship by Sephardic Origin, From Erasmus Student to Lisbon Tour Guide: An Interview with Elena Bicu. This single document is seen as the most important document in the process. Personalized transport in a luxury Mercedes vehicle which is disinfected several times a day. The Ohel Jacob Synagogue ("Tent of Jacob") was founded in 1934 by a small Jewish group of Ashkenazic origin from Central Europe. 3603 Quentin Road Brooklyn, NY 11234 (347) 434-3973 sarina@roffe.com. We highly recommend Adv. (Note: Surnames regularly change across generations. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. $32.95. The process itself is not complicated but it does take time for the documentation to be gathered, duly translated and certified, and obviously thoroughly verified by all the parties involved. We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! Both have slightly different requirements, and theres a lot of debate on the Facebook groups as to which one is better. Certificate to Prove Portuguese Sephardic Ancestry and Tradition. Criminal records certificatesissued by the applicants country of birth and countries in which he has resided more than one year, within the previous ninety days. They are always answering questions and support during the process. Have you received a letter of recommendation from one of the Jewish Communities in Portugal, whether Porto or Lisbon? I want to know that I hire good attorneys that know what they are doing. See below the complete list of documents to be presented (end of page). The first company Jonah worked with were incredibly impersonal and ended up firing him as a client, but at least it gave him lots of information and pointed him in the right direction. To find a microfilm: a. Click on this link to see a list of records for Portugal, Lisboa. We are very happy with the services. B-Mitzvah Gender Neutral Certificate 5-pack. Born in Brazil, Rabbi Peres grew up in New York and received ordination there as well as from Chacham Pinchas . 8 hours - Shore private tour - from 299 for 2 people.