Actor Jesse Eisenberg, 41, has been officially granted Polish citizenship, an honor he describes as deeply personal and meaningful. His interest in his Polish roots grew while filming A Real Pain in the country, and he sees this recognition—approved by President Andrzej Duda—as a step toward reconnecting with his family's heritage.

Speaking at a ceremony in New York, Eisenberg reflected on his ancestral ties to Poland, noting that his family had lived there far longer than in New York. While acknowledging the tragic history that separated them from their homeland, he expressed hope that this milestone would help restore that lost connection.

"I realized that my family had a deep history in Poland, yet over time, we lost our sense of belonging. That saddened me. I hope this citizenship marks the beginning of a renewed bond with this beautiful country," he said. nder Polish law, individuals with direct ancestors who lived in the country after 1920 are eligible for citizenship. Eisenberg, who first applied in May 2023, shared that he had been interested in this process for nearly two decades.

The Social Network star also revealed that both his and his wife Anna Strout’s families have Polish roots—his from Krasnystaw and hers from Łódź. He recalled hearing positive stories about the friendships between Polish and Jewish communities before the war and expressed a desire to strengthen those ties today.

While filming in Poland, Eisenberg spoke with government officials about fostering better relationships between Jewish and Polish communities, hoping to play a role in bridging that historical divide. For him, this journey is more than just about nationality—it’s about belonging. "In America, most people are newcomers, except for Indigenous Americans. But in Poland, I feel connected to something historically bigger than myself," he said.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Fleishman Is in Trouble.