Jesse Eisenberg's Journey to Polish Citizenship: Awaiting the Official Approval

Jesse Eisenberg Says He Applied for Polish Citizenship: 'Waiting for the Final Signature'

Jesse Eisenberg Jason Mendez/WireImage

Jesse Eisenberg has shared that he is currently in the process of becoming a citizen of Poland. According to the 40-year-old actor, he applied for Polish citizenship approximately 9 months ago. In a recent interview with local newspaper Głos Wielkopolski, Eisenberg mentioned that all the necessary paperwork has been submitted, and he is now awaiting the final signature. Eisenberg revealed that his family hails from the south-eastern region of Poland, specifically from Krasnystaw. Additionally, his wife's family is from Łódź. Eisenberg expressed that their decision to pursue Polish citizenship stems from a desire to deepen their connection to the country, and he also hopes to work more in Poland in the future.

Eisenberg, who is married to Anna Strout, shared that he filmed his directorial debut, A Real Pain, in Poland and is eager to work on more projects there in the future.

He expressed his deep connection to Poland, saying, “I feel a special bond with the country.” Eisenberg reflected on the positive stories he heard growing up about the strong relationships between his Jewish family and the Polish people, reminiscing about the wonderful friendships they shared.

Eisenberg’s upcoming film, A Real Pain, was both directed and starred in by the actor. The movie, set to be released in October, was inspired by his ancestral home in Poland.

In a recent interview, the Social Network star shared a personal connection to the film's storyline. He revealed, "My family lived in Krasnystaw until the war began. One person survived the war and moved to Szczecin. Sadly, she recently died from COVID." Eisenberg went on to explain that while the movie is a work of fiction, it follows the journey of two American cousins who travel to Poland to explore their roots and discover their family's origins. He described the film as a mix of a buddy comedy and shared that they filmed in all the locations his family has ties to.

A Real Pain was shot in Krasnystaw, Warsaw, Lublin, Kraśniki, and Radom, which sparked his idea for becoming a citizen of Poland.

Eisenberg shared, "During my time here, I met individuals with ties to the government. I expressed my desire to improve the relationship between Jews and Poles. It saddens me that these relationships are not at their best. I mentioned my interest in bridging this gap. With both my family and my wife's family hailing from here, I inquired about the possibility of obtaining Polish citizenship."

Eisenberg, originally from New York, grew up in the Jewish faith but only truly connected with it later in life.

He shared with W magazine in 2010 that Chabad helped him have his first Bar Mitzvah, an experience he never had before. This preparation also aided him in portraying a Hasidic Jew in the film Holy Rollers. However, Eisenberg admitted that at the time, his focus was more on the movie and his character rather than on a spiritual journey.

Eisenberg only knew the “most basic prayers” before his ritual Bar Mitzvah and allegedly wasn’t encouraged to memorize a Torah portion.

We reached out to Eisenberg’s representatives for more information about his citizenship process.

Editor's P/S:

Jesse Eisenberg's journey towards Polish citizenship is a testament to his deep connection with his ancestral homeland. His desire to strengthen this bond and contribute to Poland's cultural landscape is both inspiring and heartwarming. Eisenberg's upcoming film, "A Real Pain," adds a personal dimension to his Polish experience, exploring the complexities of family history and the enduring bonds between Jewish and Polish people.

Eisenberg's efforts to bridge the gap between Jews and Poles highlight the importance of reconciliation and mutual understanding. By embracing his Polish heritage, he sets an example of how individuals can play a role in fostering dialogue and healing historical wounds. His journey serves as a reminder that our identities are often shaped by the stories and connections that span generations, and that we can use our voices and actions to build a more inclusive and harmonious world.