האם אתם יהודים ממוצא אמריקאי או יהודים מאמריקה? / Are you Jewish Americans or Jews from America?

י׳ לחודש התשיעי תשפ״ד

English follows the Hebrew.

במסגרת הפוגה בלחימה במהלך ארבעת הימים, חמאס הסכים לשחרר 50 נשים וילדים, בתמורה לשחרור ישראל של 150 אסירים ערביים -- מה שנקרא פלסטינים. בני הערובה שישוחררו צפויים לכלול בת שלוש ובעלת אזרחות ארה"ב אביגיל עידן, יחד עם לפחות עוד שני בעלי אזרחות ארה"ב.

עשר אגורות (2¢):
כמובן, אני מאמין שעלינו להניח שממשלת ארה"ב פשוט מנצלת את היהודים האלה בעלי אזרחות ארה״ב בדיוק כמו שניצלה את עזרא שוורץ (2015), נפתלי פרנקל (2014) ומייקל לוין (2006), קובי מנדל (2001). ה׳ יקום דמם!

לא נראה לי שזה יקרה במהרה וימינו. בשנת 2014, כשאני הכרזתי על הכוונה שלי לוותר על אזרחות האמריקאית שלי, בתגובה בכתבת דעה של בתיה מידד ב-The Jewish Press,היא שאלה "האם אזרחות מדינה זרה היא עניין של נאמנות לאומית או שזאת רק הנוחות של אי צורך להתמודד מול אשרות בעת נסיעה למדינות שונות אחרות?"

כעת, לאחר שארה"ב אישרה לאזרחים ישראלים לבקר בארה"ב ללא ויזה, אין שום צורך לשאול את שאלה זו. כמובן, אלו מאיתנו בעלי אזרחות ישראלית בלבד עדיין לא יכולים לעבוד בארה"ב ללא ויזת עבודה, אלא אם כן היא מתחת לשולחן.

וגם ממשלת ארה"ב יכולה לבטל את המדיניות הזו מתישהו בעתיד.

"העמלה" עבור ויתור על אזרחות אמריקאית הופחתה לאחרונה חזרה ל-450 דולר, מהעלייה ל-2,350 דולר בשנת 2012. אולי עולה תמריוץ נוסף לוותר אזרחות ארה״ב. אבל לא נראה לי.

הרבה מהאמריקאים בארץ מודאגים גם על קבלת אזרחות ארה״ב עבור ילדיהם שנולדים בארץ. אישית אני מאמין שלאבד את הזכות הזו היא לטובתם.

אני דווקא כתבתי ״בעל אזרחות ארה״ב״ ולא ״אזרחי ארה״ב.״ קודם הכל הם יהודים, ולא אמריקאים גם על פי הלכה וגם על פי כל ראש יהודי נורמלי המחכה לגאולה.

ולכן, איך אתה מגדירים את עצמכם? האם אתם אמריקאים יהודיים או יהודים מאמריקה?

האם אתם יהודים ממוצא אמריקאי או אמריקאים יהודיים?

מומלץ להחליט כבר.

As part the four day lull in fighting, Hamas agreed to release 50 women and children, in exchange for Israel's release of 150 Palestinian Pseudostinian prisoners. The hostages to be released are expected to include three-year-old, U. S. citizen Abigail Edan, along with at least two other U. S. citizens.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Of course, I believe that we should assume that the U. S. is simply exploiting these Jews with U. S. citizenship just like they exploited Ezra Schwartz (2015), Naftali Frenkel (2014) and Michael Levin hy"d (2006).

I do not think that will happen anytime soon. When I announced my intention to renounce my U. S. citizenship, in an opinion piece on this issue, Batya Medad asked, "Is foreign citizenship a matter of national loyalty or is it just the convenience of not needing to deal with visas when traveling to various other countries?"

Now that the U. S. has granted Israeli citizens to ability to visit the U. S. without a visa, this is a moot question. Of course, those of us possessing only Israeli citizenship still could not work in the U. S. without a visa, unless it was under the table.

The U. S. government could also always rescind this policy in the future.

The "fee" for renunciation of U. S. citizenship was recently reduced back to $450, from its 2012 hike to $2,350. Perhaps this will be an added incentive to renounce. But I sincerely doubt it.

Some Americans would also be concerned with losing their ability to obtain U. S. citizenship for their children born in Israel. Personally, I believe that losing that ability would be a good thing.

So, how do you self-identify?

Are you Jewish Americans or Jews from America?

Does it make any difference to you whether any of those captive Jews are Americans? It does not matter according to halakhah. So, I certainly hope you do not think so either.

I highly recommended that you make up your minds already.

Renunciation of U. S. Citizenship: The Final Chapter

ראש החודש הרביעי תשע״ה

Toying with the Idea of Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

American, No More

Disclaimer: I am not an accountant. I am simply relaying my own personal experiences, and what I did. I am not giving tax advice. You would do well to consult a Certified Public Accountant [CPA].*

On Monday, I sent in the last forms to the U. S. Government, I will ever need to send it. At least, I hope this the case. In the spring of last year, I renounced my U. S. citizenship. I did so, not for tax reasons, but for ideological ones. You can about the saga of my renunciation up until now, by clicking here.

As a single person, with only one source of income, and absolutely no investments, nor any other assets, and never more than a few thousand shekels in a checking account and very small pension fund, the forms I had to file included a 1040 (not a 1040A or 1040 EZ), plus the foreign earned income exemption. In my case, this was a 2555-EZ form. I also filed Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report [FBAR], for one year in which my combined bank account and pension fund actually reached above the $10,000 threshold.

To convert your shekel amounts to U. S. dollars, use the IRS’s Yearly Average Currency Exchange Rates Table for current and previous years.

In addition, I filled to fill out an 8965 form claiming an exemption from this for the year 2014. Would you imagine that the U. S. Government was considering obligating U. S. citizens living abroad to pay for ObamaCare coverage, even someone like me, who has not set foot on U. S. soil, save for embassies and consulates, since 1997?

Such hutzpah!

U. S. citizens living abroad do receive an automatic extension of the normal April 15 deadline for income tax reporting, making it June 15. My main concern, though, was the last form I had to file, as one who renounced citizenship in the previous year, was the 8854 form. As far as I know, the penalty for submitting an 8854 form, with a postmark after June 15, 2015, is $10,000, if it is determined that filing late was avoidable.

I might add that the 8854 form was never, I repeat never, mentioned to me, certainly not by any U. S. Government official involved in the processing of the renunciation of my citizenship.

I used to laugh at various individuals, both U. S. and non-U. S. citizens, who have criticized the U. S. for its imperialistic policies. Well, I do not know if I would call the U. S. Government’s far reaching, financial policies toward U. S. citizens, present and former, imperialistic. However, the U. S. does appear to assert control over them for as long as it can. Apparently, among all of the nations of the world, only the U. S. and Eritrea tax their citizens, who are living abroad (Isaac Brock Society).

The U. S. Government can, theoretically, still intrude into my life. Does that sound crazy and paranoid? Is that redundant?

If IRS officials do not believe in what I have reported to them, from what I understand, they can audit me, and request information and even request that my Israeli, as in foreign to the U. S., bank account be frozen, if I do not comply. Quite frankly, I believe this would be silly on their part, since I do not owe them any money, do not have any money, and it would cost them one heck of a lot more to audit and investigate me, than they would eventually be able to claim from me, which would be nothing, since that’s what I owe, and that’s what I have. Nothing.

Of course, if the U. S. Government decides to make an example out of me, as one of those ungrateful individuals who has dared to spend the required $450, now $2350, fee to renounce his precious U. S. citizenship, then they may do just that. But, the U. S. Government would never do anything like that. Or would it? For what? My 2¢ blog? Now, if you ask me, that would be just plain silly.

Did I fill out the forms correctly? I certainly believe that I did. I sure studied the procedures long enough.

Well, there is nothing I can do about it now.

*********

Israeli Post Office Information:
If you are worried about making it to the post office on time, in order to get your document filled envelops postmarked with a specific date, you should know that the pot office does have branches which are open later than 5:00pm. Agrippas and the main Yaffo St. branches are open until 6:00pm, and the Menta convenience store at the Pat Junction gas station is open until 10:00pm. Make sure to double check that they offer international registered mail during its late hours of operation. I guess people who had previously complained about picking up their mail at a gas station (link) won’t be complaining now, huh?

Of course, if you are really running late, you can always make the trek out to Ben-Gurion Airport, where you will find a branch open until 11:59pm.

I recommend sending any forms and supporting documents by registered mail. This way, you can not only prove that you sent them on time, but you also track and trace them.

*Note:
I have mixed feelings about recommending consultation with a CPA. I feel that I am darned if I do, and darned if I don’t. In order to get things done correctly, and thus keep the U. S. Government off of our backs, it would to our benefit to obtain professional assistance. On the other hand, are CPA’s, in their own way, passive collaborators with the U. S. Government?

Think about it. The more complicated tax regulations become, the more we need them, and thus, the more money they make.

On the other hand, even how supposedly simple my reporting obligations were, I cannot possibly imagine how I could have completed the process on my own, as I did, without the assistance of the two CPA’s who were kind enough to answer my questions without charging me.

Additional Resources:

IRS Out Of Israel

Isaac Brock Society

U. S. Government Violates Israeli Sovereignty! Where is the Outrage?!

ט"ו לחודש העשירי תשע"ה

Arutz 7: 'Deport US Consulate Staff Who Threatened Jews'
Samaria Regional Council Head demands response from Israeli Interior Ministry following clash between US consulate, Israelis.

Uzi Baruch and Tova Dvorin, January 3, 2015

Acting Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, has filed a request to the Minister of the Interior Gilad Erdan demanding he immediately expel the American Consulate staff members who entered the Samaria village of Adei Ad Friday and threatened Israeli Jews with an M-16.

U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem

"As revealed through Wikileaks few years ago, these supposed 'officials' are intelligence agents and spies in every respect," said Dagan, adding "this time, they went too far and participated in a provocative tour with the Palestinians in the southern Samaria and north Binyamin, without any coordination as required with the IDF and police, and pulled out a firearm and threatened Israeli civilians."

"This is a crossing of all red lines," he continued. "This event could have descended easily into bloodshed and only as a result of the settlers' responsible behavior was [a scenario like that] prevented."

"I request that in view of the serious and criminal conduct, that these [US] security guards and officials be deported," he added.

"If Israeli intelligence officials and armed Israeli security guards stationed in one of the Israeli consulates in the United States had participated in a political provocation without any coordination with the police and threatened American citizens with weapons, at best, they would be arrested and deported, and the more likely case would be them spending several years in federal prison."

It is unclear exactly what prompted the incident at Adei Ad Friday, but reports say that several consulate officials arrived with armed guards at the community to investigate Palestinian Arabs' claims of vandalism of a nearby olive orchard.

An argument erupted between the convoy and the community's security guards, as all official visits to Jewish communities in Judea-Samaria must be coordinated with the IDF and police - a protocol the consulate allegedly ignored. At least one of the American guards allegedly pulled out his handgun and M-16 during the course of the argument.

(Tip: Jews News)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
What' the heck is going on?!

A friend of mine who lives in Adei Ad, a Jewish stronghold near Shiloh, was not there during the incident, and so, had nothing to contribute regarding what actually had happened last week.

News sources besides Arutz 7 suggested that the U. S. officials were touring the area with Arabs, when rocks were thrown at them, which they claim caused light damage to their vehicle.

And then I guess that the U. S. officials were just "defending themselves," by brandishing their weapons.

And, where was their required coordination with the IDF? Non-existent.

Will the next step be that the Israeli Government will allow U. S. officials to take U. S. citizens into custody at will? Will it simply look the other way, and pretend that it cares?

Fortunately for me, I already renounced my U. S. citizenship last Passover. Still, that does not do much good in this regard, if the Israeli Government will allow a foreign government to threaten and otherwise harass its own citizens.

Is there any connection to future U. S. troops entering Israel?? I have been warning about this since 2005/תשע"ה.

Since one theory is that foreign troops would be used to expel Jews from their homes in Yehudah and the Shomron (Judea and Samaria), saving the Israeli Government time and resources, as well as the trauma which would be incurred by IDF soldiers, like during the Jewish expulsion from Azza (Gaza), not to mention the expected, drastic increase in resistence of IDF soldiers toward expelling their fellow Jews, it would not surprise me in the least if the claims above about spying were true.

For more information, and connecting of the dots, make sure to read Tomer Devorah's Prelude To Foreign Troops? as well.

American, No More

כ"ד לחודש הרביעי תשע"ד

Toying with the Idea of Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

After arriving in Israel 17 years ago, I began doing, or rather redoing, my student teaching in Tel-Aviv.

I remember the time when my native Israeli, mentor teacher told me that even after living in Israel for 20 years, that I would still always be known in my neighborhood as "The American."

But she also said that I shouldn't worry, because even though I would always be seen as "The American," my children would be "Israeli."

Some consolation, huh?

I wonder what what this mentor teacher of mine would say now, that I am no longer an American. Well, no longer an American citizen, anyway. That's right. Shortly before Passover this year, I renounced my American citizenship.

Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
(Click to enlarge)

This colleague of mine would probably stand by her original statement.

Sure, I am fluent in Hebrew, can write relatively well in Hebrew, and my accent, I have been told, is at least better than that of the average American living in Israel.

I have never lived in a predominantly English-speaking neighborhood, have rejected an American sense of personal space, in favor of an Israeli one, and have absorbed many other cultural sensibilities which would cause Americans to do a double-take.

I have not left Israel in 16 years, and have not returned to the U. S. since my departure from it.

But, she was referring referring to those outer elements of appearance and culture, rather than national status.

Still, I felt even more disconnected from galuth (exile), the land of my personal galuth, and the government which rules over that land.

Whether appalled, or applauding, or indifferent to my decision, the same question always the same out of the mouths of everyone I told: Why?

First, I will state that my decision was not made out of anger or some kind of quest for vindication. Nor was it made for financial reasons, to avoid paying taxes to two governments, instead of one. However, I do not believe I have ever made the annual salary threshold, even requiring me to report my income as a U. S. citizen living abroad, let alone making the minimum annual salary requiring me to pay taxes on it to the U. S. government, after already parting with much of it to the Israeli government.

Since moving to Israel, I have never received my absentee ballot on time, and thus have not voted in U. S. elections since. So, there was no loss in this respect. Funny, though, how I could very well have been I living example of taxation without representation, not to mention never receiving anything in return for my troubles. So, you can imagine why the number of Americans living abroad renouncing their U. S. citizenship has been on the rise, particularly in Europe.

So, why did I? The reason for my renunciation of U. S. citizenship was actually quite simple.

However, I anticipate that many American Jews reading this, both in and outside of Israel, will find some way to complicate and distort my reasons, and not only that, but find excuses to scream and yell at me for going through with it. Could it be that the truth behind such aggressive attitudes is nothing less than defensiveness?

Could it be that they feel the need to defend themselves against why they haven't renounced their own citizenships? ...Of finally letting go of their "home" in America?

In 1996, when I first met with the shali'ah in Los Angeles, I was told that 50% of all North Americans who made aliyah, "returned home" within five years. This was not a terribly optimistic statistic for me to hear.

Worse yet, the shali'ah's use of the word "home" was disturbing to my ears. Sure, he was using the vernacular. But, did he mean that those returning to North America were unable to see Israel as their "home," and returned to the only "home" they knew? Or was he himself suggesting that the exile was our "home," and that Israel was simply a destination for wannabe ex-patriots? If it were the latter, this would be disappointing to say the least, a representative of the Jewish Agency for Israel NOT emphasizing that Israel was a Jew's only true home, rather than the lands of our exile.

My hole-punched
canceled U. S. Passport

I never hated America while growing up. Although my parents made it very clear to me that as citizens, we had the right to be critical of the U. S. government, and that we should exercise that right regularly. My mother took me to my first demonstration at the age of four, and showed me first picket line at the age of five.

Say what you will about former U. S. President George W. Bush, but even he claimed that the war in Iraq was to defend the right of the American people to criticize the war in Iraq.

Throughout college, I was bombarded with stories of how difficult it was to be a Jew in the Former Soviet Union. Hebrew teachers were being arrested for being Hebrew teachers. Matzoth was produced for Passover by one of two machines in hiding. An urban miqwah (ritual immersing pool) was disguised as a public swimming pool during the day. The name Natan Sharansky was heard regularly in the same sentence with the word "hero," etc., etc.

How much "easier" it was for me to be a Jew than in the Soviet Union, communist Eastern Europe, and Arab nations was mentioned often during my childhood, by my parents or in schul.

Vandalism by shwastika on my family's house and anti-Semitic harassment in both elementary and high school, by students and teachers alike, aside, I appreciated all of the opportunities afforded to me, as your average second generation American, growing up in a middle/upper-middle class sector of Southern California. We had it much better than most.

I will not bother to mention how much this has changed in the past 20 years, even in the past 2 years, as most of my brethren still residing in the land of their exile, America, are still too much in deep denial to be confronted with the physical evidence, let alone the spiritual evidence.

However, I did not renounce my U. S. citizenship in a symbolic act of severing ties with a nation becoming increasingly dangerous for Jews, and  whose fall is inevitable

I chose to renounce my U. S. citizenship for a much simpler reason, in order to sever any remaining ties I still had with the government ruling over the land of my exile.
Unfortunately, Jews, and perhaps American Jews in particular, have so easily forgotten that exile is a punishment. It does not matter how much Jews have accomplished in battling discrimination and oppression, and have contributed to those societies in the lands of our exile.

It is still the exile, and it is still a punishment, and I wanted nothing to do with it.

*********

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, the Final Chapter

400% Fee Hike for Renunciation of U. S. Citizenship in Effect on Sept. 12, 2014

ח' לחודש השישי תשע"ד

Just last week, I reported on the proposal to raise the fee for renunciation of U. S. citizenship.

Well, now it has actually happened, and it happened pretty darn quickly, after any initial murmurs of its possibility if you ask me.

U. S. Passports and International Travel

U. S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

2014 Fee Changes

On August 28, 2014, the Bureau of Consular Affairs announced a number of changes to the fees for U.S. consular services effective September 12, 2014.

Many consular services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. These services are reviewed annually to more accurately reflect the costs of providing these services...

Q: What are the new fees for administrative service fees, such as renunciation of citizenship?

Citizens’ and Administrative Processing Services

Type of Service	Previous Fee	New Fee
Administrative Processing of Formal Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship	$450	$2,350
Charge for Consular Time (for fee services performed outside of normal business hours or away from the office)	$231	$135

Q: When do the new processing fees go into effect? 

• The new fees will take effect on September 12, 2014, 15 days after the day the interim final rule was published in the Federal Register. 

Q: What if I already paid my fee for an appointment after September 12?

• Applicants will be charged the fee in effect on the day of payment. Fees for American Citizens Services are paid directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date the service is delivered.
• Fees cannot be paid in advance. (cont.)

This means that your second "required" meeting at the embassy or consulate must be before September 12. How convenient that next week contains one less day available for renunciations, as U. S. government offices will be closed for Labor Day.

The Jewish Libertarian pointed me to this video of Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) making, as some would say, some provocative remarks. Apparently, he has even been ridiculed for them.

What do you think of Rep. Paul's comments on the international borders of the U. S.?

Don't for get to notice the date, September 7, 2011. Were his comments prophetic? Or did he simply employ his special talent for connecting the dots?



Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has brought up the issue of a higher "exit fee" for those renouncing citizenship, to save on taxes. Gee. I wonder how such intention would be determined. When I renounced, I was asked to state my reasons for doing so. Do you really think that anyone renouncing U. S. citizenship for tax purposes would actually be stupid enough to state as such? Would there then be a committee established to determine our intentions for us?

I have already been hearing from friends that because of the 400% increase in fee, that renunciation is no longer an option for them. So, the deterrent element of the fee hike already seems to be having its effect.

With this hike in fee for renunciation of citizenship, it seems to me that the prison just got a lot harder to break out of.

U. S. State Department to Hike Renunciation Fees to US$2,350

ב' לחודש השישי תשע"ד

State Department to hike renunciation fees to US$2,350; says “no public benefit” in respecting human right to change nationality
Posted on August 27, 2014 by Eric in Issues regarding US persons abroad

Confirming reports passed on by commenters at the Isaac Brock Society, DiploPundit points to a State Department interim rule just placed on public inspection for printing in tomorrow’s Federal Register, which raises the fee for renunciation of U.S. citizenship (but apparently not relinquishment) to US$2,350 [from the current fee of US$450], more than twenty times the average level in other high-income countries. As they state:

[D]emand for the service has increased dramatically, consuming far more consular officer time and resources, as reflected in the 2012 Overseas Time Survey and increased workload data. Because the Department believes there is no public benefit or other reason for setting this fee below cost, the Department is increasing this fee to reflect the full cost of providing the service. Therefore the increased fee reflects both the increased cost of the provision of service as well as the determination to now charge the full cost.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality”, while the Expatriation Act of 1868 says that renunciation of citizenship is “a natural and inherent right of all people” and that “any declaration, instruction, opinion, order, or decision of any officers of this government which restricts, impairs, or questions the right of expatriation, is hereby declared inconsistent with the fundamental principles of this government”.

As of press time, the State Department has not yet commented on whether it sees “public benefit” in other human rights such as freedom of election or freedom of marriage, or whether anyone seriously believes that charging people a month’s salary to get a ballot paper or a marriage certificate would not restrict or impair those rights. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
The rest of the article contains interesting details regarding "relinquishing of citizenship," as well as the inner workings of the U. S. State Department. I recommend reading it, in order to elaborate the general information provided above.

I wonder if the U. S. government and/or its State Department is running scared. Is it afraid of looking bad because of the rising renunciation numbers? Perhaps it believes that it can curtail this through an increasing the renunciation fee as a deterrent.

As I have written previously, I renounced my U. S. citizenship this spring at the Consulate in Jerusalem. I paid the $450 fee. However, since I paid in Israeli sheqqels, I was forced to pay more due to the sheqqel-dollar rate (3.6:1) posted on the Consulate’s website, rather that the real rate of 3.47:1. This may sound nit-picky, but I do not like the idea of paying even a penny more to the U. S. government, or to any other government for that matter.

It took a couple of weeks to get my certificate. When I was told that I had to come back in a week after some “time for thought and reflection,” I asked the vice consul to show me where this was written, that this was the law. She said she said it was just State Dept. policy. I was later told by another official that if I had brought a lawyer, I could have pressed the matter to get it all done in one visit. (sigh)

These are only two examples of the shenanigans propagated by the representatives of our "democratically-elected leaders" (eyes rolling).

Now, it appears that the U. S. State Department will be raising the fee by almost 500% for the "right to change nationality."

Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx apparently said, "I refuse to join a club that would have me as a member."

Well, personally, I refuse to a club which does not allow me to leave, even if it was never my choice to join it in the first place.

"Clubs" like these only possess the authority they possess, because we have allowed them to possess it.

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

כ"ב לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Read the Prelude: Toying With the Idea of Renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2.

Read why Batya won't Renounce her U. S. Citizenship.

U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem

Last Thursday was my final "interview" in the process of renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

I arrived early. Upon approach to the entrance, I was greeted with a scene over to the right, an Israeli Border Patrol soldier was putting on Tefillin, and preparing to pray, while his female counterpart continued their guard duties.

I took that as a sign.

At security, I not only had to check my phone, but also the pencil sharpener. Could that have been used as a weapon? I suppose, so do not begrudge the U. S. government my temporary lack of ability to sharpen my pencil. But, who do they expect to show up at the Consulate? MacGyver?

 Besides that, the Arabs manning the front desk took the opportunity to display their inefficiency and lack of professionalism, even more so than when I was last there.

As I walked to the bathroom, with my native Israeli security "escort," I asked him in Hebrew how he deals with such nonsense. He just laughed. 'Nuff said.

When I entered the waiting area, I was taken almost right away, even though I was early. Again, I was the only one there beside my "escort." It all wen pretty smoothly, as I spoke with the same official with whom I spoke the last time. He was very helpful through emails back and forth, scheduling this appointment so that I could deal with him, and not with somebody new, who might take longer, asking me repeat questions, and reviewing my paperwork.

The "interview" went quickly, with the official only asking me if I "still wanted to go through with 'it.'"

I said, "Yes." I signed the forms I had brought with me already filled out. Then he signed them. All that was left to do, was to pay the $450 fee, and then wait for my official certificate, which was expected to arrive by mail in a few weeks. By the way, I chose to bring in a self-addressed, stamped envelop, with enough postage for registered mail, instead of using the Consulate's courier service. ₪11.40 was enough for up to 500g (about 1 lb.), more than enough. I even put a registered mail sticker o the envelop for them, with matching form. Perhaps that was overkill, but whatever.

At this point in the process, I was told that the only person who could take my fee was still out. He should be there soon, and was specifically told that he needed to be there by my appointment time.

Twenty minutes later, I was informed that a call was just received from the only person who could take my money was very close

Meanwhile, the security guard and I chatted, about a variety of topics. Like the security guard from my previous visit, this one also wanted to know why I wanted to renounce my U. S. citizenship.

About forty minutes late, I was finally called over to the cashier's window for the privilege of giving the U. S. Government money, so that it would no longer own me.

Think about that for a moment. I had to pay the U. S. Government to be released from its control, or as I am guessing the U. S. Government might phrase it, from its responsibility.

If you ask me, that sounds just too similar to a ransom for my taste. Of course, the U. S. Government calls it an "execution fee." I wonder if there is a double meaning embedded there someplace.

But, I digress...

Paying The "Execution Fee"
Almost an hour after I should have had everything all wrapped up, I was met at the cashier's window by an Arab,...a belligerent Arab. It turned out that he was not even the on who was late. That was someone else who had to get something out of a safe. This was never clear to me, and remember, he and I were both speaking in our native tongue, English. The only think I understood were the apologies.

Quite frankly, I am thinking about send the Consulate, or the State Department in Washington a bill for my time, time lost from work, not to mention time lost from work as a result of the "required," yet not by law, second visit.

As I was paying in New Israeli Sheqqels (₪), I was informed that the sheqqel to dollar rate was 3.6, as listed on the Consulate's website. I responded that I knew that, but that I was told that the rate was periodically updated on the website, and that today the rate was not 3.6, rather it was 3.47.

"This is the rate we give you," the Arab told me.

"Your supervisor, please," I returned in true, "do NOT mess with me," Southern Californian form. Why should I give the U. S. Government anymore than I should have to?

The difference in our rate dispute worked out to ₪58.50, approximately $16.86, for those of you who think in dollars.

I know more than a few people, Israelis and Americans alike, myself included, who would be very happy to receive ₪58.50/$16.86 in hand, and could find 1,000 possible uses for it, especially in today's economic climate.

The official who had taken care of my paperwork returned to the scene. He explained that was the rate that the Consulate gives.

I anticipated this response. So, I let it go. I just wanted to get out of there already.
I left the Consulate with copies of my submitted documents, and a "temporary" receipt. No seal, no stamp, just the Arab cashier's scribble on a flimsy receipt (below).

"Temporary Receipt"

This "temporary" receipt apparently had something to do with the other official who was late in arriving, and, by the way, who never bothered to apologize to me in person, even though I was the only person there waiting for him. Too important for a mere citizen, I suppose. I was told to expect an official one in the mail.

However, at this second and hopefully last "interview," I was told that once I paid my money, I was no longer a U. S. citizen.

Nevertheless, I await my official Certificate of Renunciation with baited breath.

Stay tuned!

*********

American No More

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, the Final Chapter

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

י"א לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Read the Prelude: Toying With the Idea of Renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1.

Read why Batya won't Renounce her U. S. Citizenship.

1. What to Bring with You

U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem

Well,...today was the day, I was to renounce my U. S. citizenship at the Consulate in Jerusalem, emphasis on the word "was." You'll see why shortly.

As I mentioned in part 1 of the record of this journey of mine to renounce my U. S. citizenship, I had an appointment scheduled for Tuesday morning at 9:00.

After getting a helpful tip that the Consulate staff prefers to deal with renunciations in the afternoon, I e-mailed the Consulate, saying that although I had already scheduled an appointment for the morning, I did not mind having it moved to the afternoon. The automated reply I received said that they generally take care of any inquiries within 48 hours. That was last week.

Monday afternoon, I finally received an e-mail reply from the Consulate, along with an apology for the delay, rescheduling my appointment for Tuesday at 2:30 PM. I was told to bring...

1. My U. S. Passport
2. Request for Determination of Possible Loss of U. S. Citizenship form (DS-4079),completed, but not signed.
3. I was also asked to read Title 8 U.S. Code § 1481 - Loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen; voluntary action; burden of proof; presumptions, which was e-mailed to me, along with form DS-4079.

With me, I also brought...

3. $450 in sheqqels (NIS 1,620 rate of 3.6 to 1), as this was the fee mentioned for renunciation on the Consulate's website.
4. My Israeli Passport, to prove citizenship in a country other that the U. S., and photocopy*
5. My birth certificate, and photocopy.* I did not need this, but the official accepted the photocopy anyway.
6. Renunciation form (DS-4081), not signed. It must be signed in front of the Consular official.

*I always bring my own photocopies to government offices, in order to save time. This way whoever is helping me does not get distracted or "lost" on the way to the photocopy machine, nor on the way back.

2. How To Get There
Buses 7א and 78א go straight to the U. S. Consulate. Coming back toward the center of town, be aware that you may have to go through the East Talpioth neighborhood first.

Please note. These are the updated routes, as of the massive changes made to the bus routes within Jerusalem, on March 7, 2014/ה' אדר ב' תשע"ד.

Bus Routes to the U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem
Screen shot from Jerusalem Bus Maps
(Click to enlarge)

Many other routes come close, such as the 71, 72, 74, and 75, which run along Derech Hevron, as well as the 7 and the 78, which go to Ramath Rachel and East Talpioth respectively.

3. Security
The guards at the front desk, all Arabs, were given my name, and let me it. I was early, like the instructions on the website said to be, for the sake of allowing enough time to go through security. My habit in Israel to begin most verbal interactions in Hebrew was met with perplexed faces, and so I switched to English.

I had to empty my pockets, before going through the metal detector. No one checked to make sure that I had fully complied. I had to leave my phone at the front, which I had assumed from my previous visits to the Embassy in Tel-Aviv. I was then given directions to cross the courtyard to the waiting room.

Although I had been nervous before arriving, nervous as in the good kind of nervous, I felt immediately relaxed upon entering the waiting room. There was only myself and the Israeli security guard, with whom I chatted until I was called for my interview. I think that the guard was happy for the company. His English was pretty good, but we lapsed into Hebrew, and stayed there.

He could not get over why I would want to renounce my U. S. citizenship. "Doesn't it help you?" he asked. I said that I would be happy to give him the details over coffee, after I had the certificate in my hand. I joked about how our conversation was probably being recorded, although I cannot say that it was.

I commented that there weren't any clocks in the room. He had to look at his screen for the time, when I asked. I cannot tell you exactly why there weren't any clocks, nor how that would or would not effect a waiting crowd.

I was called up at least 15 minutes before my appointment. I was that I was early. I acknowledged this with, "Yes, because the Consulate's website said to arrive early." I also aid that I did not mind waiting. I was told that was fine that we began early.

4. The Interview
In the back I could see mostly Arabs, I think. Just an observation. However the officials with whom I spoke were native English speaking Americans.

I handed in my DS-4079 form, not believing that I had relinquished my citizenship in any way, especially since 2007, when I had renewed my U. S. Passport. Renewing ones passport implies the intention of retaining citizenship. So, any act of relinquishment would had to have occurred after that action had been taken.

Nonetheless, I turned it in with my passport. The form was reviewed, and I was told that I would have to come back after at least a week. U. S. State Department regulations state that a time of reflection is required.

My reflexes kicked in, and "I would like to speak to your supervisor please," was out of my mouth before I knew what I was doing.

This official's supervisor happened to be standing nearby. No one made a fuss, the supervisor just came right over. I told her even if she was simply going to tell me the same thing, that I had no choice but to return, I requested her indulgence over a few questions I had about the renunciation process, including the "required" time of reflection of this decision. She said that it was no problem at all; she was happy to answer my questions, but that it was State Department policy (in the regs.) that returning for a second appointment was required. She also confirmed my suspicions that it was "out of her hands."

I asked the Consular supervisor where exactly a one week period of reflection was written. She took a few minutes to find this on-line and printed it out for me. 7 FAM 1262 Interview with Potential Renunciant: scroll down to page 3, find and read 7 FAM 1262.2 (c) (*Notice that a time period before being able to return is NOT specified.).

The original official then returned, and he explained to me what should happen next in my process of renunciation. He pointed out what he believed were the most important items to point out on the DS-4081 Renunciation form:

1. The renunciation of citizenship is irreversible.
2. Any previous tax burden I may have does not disappear.
3. In time of need, the U. S. still has the right to call me to military service. It was pointed out that Israel would probably not let me go. 

At my next visit I was told to bring...

1. 2 completed, but not signed DS-4081 Statement of Understanding Renunciation forms.
2. 2 completed, but not signed DS-4080 Oath/Affirmation of Renunciation of Nationality of United States forms. (*Can be filled out on-line and printed out.)
3. My U. S. Passport
4. My Israeli Passport
5. $450 in sheqqels (NIS 1,620 rate of 3.6 to 1)
6. A self-addressed, stamped 8 1/2" x 11" envelop, with regular or registered postage, if I chose not to avail myself of the Consulate's courier service.

It was later suggested to me that this time of reflection did not appear to be law, only State Department regulations. So, if I had brought a lawyer, I might have been able to fight it. My guess is that it probably would have taken a week anyway, cost more money, and wasted even more of my time than just accepting the week wait.

The last question I was asked was why I wanted to renounce my U. S. Citizenship. I very nicely pointed out that on form DS-4081 at the bottom, it states "I ⌚do ⌚do not choose to make a separate written explanation of my reasons for renunciating/relinquishing my United States nationality."

The official said, yes, but that refers to a written statement, that I did not have to make a statement, but that the process would probably go more smoothly if I did. The reason for the statement is that this official must include a memo of his with my signed documents to be sent to Washington, DC for final approval.

My answer was something generic about no longer feeling American nor connected with the U. S., and that my decision to renunciate was based on ideological reasons. The official said that was what most people said in their answer as to what they wanted to renunciate. What's done is done. By the way, my answer was most definitely a truthful one. However, I intend to elaborate for you, after the process has been completed, and I have certificate in hand.

He then offered to schedule my next appointment right then and there. But, I said that I had to check with my boss first to see what would be convenient for her.

All in all, I have to say that the officials at the U. S. Consulate in Jerusalem were professional and efficient, but also friendly and genuine. I was not at all treated like a number, possible statistic against their record, nor like some sort of plebeian. On the contrary, these officials treated me like a fellow American and equal, there to serve me, and not the other way around. Even though I no longer wanted to be one of their fellow Americans.

Although I still would rather not jinx it, I anticipated that the next meeting I have at the Consulate will go just as smoothly.

Stay tuned for Part 3, as early as Thursday, March 20!

*********

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

American No More

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, the Final Chapter

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1

ב' לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Well, after toying with the idea of renouncing my U. S. citizenship, I have made the decision to go through with renunciation. The truth is that I had already thought this through thoroughly. I had been thinking of renunciation as far back as 2001.

Eventually, I will put all of the various parts to the documenting of this journey of mine together into a Renunciation of U. S. Citizenship Guide for Israeli Dual Citizens. But, for now, I will post the stages of my process in parts.

You can go straight to the following link to make an appointment with:

http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/appointment2.html

After reading this page, decide how you want contact the Consulate for your appointment. I clicked at the bottom to view available appointment dates and times. I then chose one, and it took me about a minute to complete the online form.

By the way, there was a note suggesting reports of difficulties using Firefox to complete an appointment request. So, using a different web browser was recommended.

Click on "Request notarial and other services not listed above," and that you read and understood, then click "continue."

Make sure you have your U. S. Passport number and a valid e-mail address. The form did not allow the request to go through without an e-mail address.

Your appointment sheet should look like this. Print it out, because it needs to be brought with you.

U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem, Appointment Sheet
Grayed out areas = personal details and passwords
(Click to enlarge)

I must say that I am a bit nervous, but the good kind of nervous,...and excited, all at once.

I am mostly concerned about being interrogated, so to speak, and that I will be sent home for a "cooling-off period," which I have heard can happen.

The number of U. S. citizens renouncing their citizenship has been growing dramatically. I intend to add one more to the number, with my own renunciation.

I simply intend to tell them the truth as to why I want to renounce, and then hold my ground. I am prepared to accept a second, required visit. But, I am also prepared to do everything I can to avoid this. After all, I have to miss work for this process.

I will update you on ט' אדר ב'/March 11, after my appointment, and will include the forms I was required to complete, and the details of my "interview."

So, stay tuned!

*********

Toying with the Idea of Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

American No More

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, the Final Chapter

Toying with the Idea of Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship

ו' לחודש האחד עשר תשע"ד

U. S. Embassy, Tel-Aviv
*one block from the beach
**not yet moved to Jerusalem

Many will say that this post is simply an emotional and impulsive response to the new U. S. tax law affecting citizens abroad, which has just gone into effect. I will admit that it definitely had a part in smacking me across the face, reawakening me to the option of renunciation. However, it was not exactly what you would call the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The new tax law, or even heavier reinforcement of any old tax laws, would not place any additional financial burden on my life, save for the inconvenience of having to deal with some extra paperwork.

I understand that due to the level of my Israeli income, low, and the level of my Israeli tax obligations, high in contrast to my tax obligations if I were to reside in the U. S., Yet, I also just found out, thanks to American Citizens Abroad [ACA], that Obamacare is another story. Tax obligations due to the "Affordable Care Act" will not be covered by any credit I would receive for paying taxes in Israel.

"Sheeple" = Sheep + People

I was surprised to hear this, as I thought that I was exempt. Confused? So, am I. Personally, I believe that is the point. Keep the "sheeple" confused, and they will give up, and do what they are told! No such luck here, Powers That Be!

So, why am I considering the renouncing of my U. S. citizenship? It is certainly not to please my parents. My Democrat/Green mother and my Reagan Democrat-turned-Republican father will both kill me,...figuratively, of course.

Countless friends, former and current bosses, and strangers on the bus, both American and native Israeli ALL think that I have completely lost it.

I am certainly grateful for all of the opportunities I received growing up in the U. S., as opposed to any other country.

But, simply put, the U. S. is no longer my country.  How many times on Esser Agaroth have I said that Israel is the only true homeland of the Jewish People? A lot. Why should I keep my U. S. citizenship? For travel? For emergencies? Well, I have already gotten those scenarios covered, and I can use my Israeli passport,...if I really needed to. I have not left Eretz Yisra'el in 15 years, and have not set foot in the U. S. for 16 years, and have no intention of ever doing so again.

So Far and Yet So Near

Also, why on earth should I allow the government of a country, not my own, continue to stick its nose into my business, financial and otherwise?

I have also not voted since before the presidential election of 2000, due to never getting my application for an absentee in time, in order to send it back in time, in order to receive my absentee ballot with enough time to send it back on time. Bush vs. Gore. Remember that one?

Even with being able to download an application for an absentee ballot, there was still never enough time to complete the process. Then the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters changed my registration status as a "solution" to my inability to vote. She did so without my permission, of course.

Not being able to vote is only a very minor consideration. I mention this balagan (mess), only to illustrate just how disconnected I am from the U. S.

Getting something accomplished the last time I was at the U. S. Embassy was not at all difficult. So, that issue is not even close to being a consideration, one way or another. Only the long wait was a bit of a pain. No one even harassed me for having resided in the ridiculously nicknamed "Occupied Territories," which was my main concern. No one cared. Like any good, Israeli civil servant, my paperwork was processed, my money was accepted, and I was on my way. Thank The Almighty!

New Fancy-Shmancy
U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem

But, that was to renew my U. S. Passport, and not to turn it in. It was also in 2007/תשס"ז, before requiring appointments in order to receive services. I wonder what will happen when I call up, or e-mail as the consulate's website indicates as its preference, and inform the civil servant receiving my message that I am making an appointment for citizenship renunciation. I suppose that I will find out soon enough, once I have completed my research, and made the necessary contact with the consulate in Jerusalem.

Apparently, these are the only requirements (that I could find) for renunciation of U. S. citizenship, which is irrevocable:

Renunciation of U. S. Citizenship

A. THE IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY ACT

Section 349(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(5)) is the section of law governing the right of a United States citizen to renounce his or her U.S. citizenship. That section of law provides for the loss of nationality by voluntarily

"(5) making a formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State" (emphasis added).

B. ELEMENTS OF RENUNCIATION

A person wishing to renounce his or her U.S. citizenship must voluntarily and with intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship:

1. appear in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer, 
2. in a foreign country (normally at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate); and 
3. sign an oath of renunciation

Renunciations that do not meet the conditions described above have no legal effect. Because of the provisions of Section 349(a)(5), U.S. citizens cannot effectively renounce their citizenship by mail, through an agent, or while in the United States. In fact, U.S. courts have held certain attempts to renounce U.S. citizenship to be ineffective on a variety of grounds, as discussed below. (cont.)

One of the only reasons why I would retain my citizenship is how renunciation would affect my future social security benefits. I am pretty sure that I will not receive any, due to missing one quarter or more of the forty quarter employment requirement. This will be worth looking into, as well as any possible effects on potential benefits by renunciation.

This is the other reason it this, the mention of which was "neglected in the list of requirements above:

U. S. Consular Schedule of Fees

$450!

In spite of the U. S. Consulate's website indicating that the sheqqel-dollar rate is 3.60 to one, which would make the renunciation fee NIS 1620, according to today's rate that is about NIS 1575.59, the difference being the price of dinner in Israel.

Talk about a deterrent!

Well, I have my homework cut out for me. I will post updates as I formulate a decision.

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

American, No More