Story perspectives

Montreal Passport Office Error Raises Israeli Birthplace Concerns

11/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Anastasia Zorchinsky, Israeli-born Canadian citizen, said a Montreal passport office worker initially told her Israel could not be listed as her birthplace due to political conflict; Israel was later added.
The Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs attributed the incident to worker error.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed no policy changes affecting Israeli-born individuals.
Zorchinsky said others could face similar issues and called for clearer birthplace guidance.

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Story summary

Anastasia Zorchinsky, Israeli-born Canadian citizen, said a Montreal passport office worker initially told her Israel could not be listed as her birthplace due to political conflict; Israel was later added.
The Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs attributed the incident to worker error.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed no policy changes affecting Israeli-born individuals.
Zorchinsky said others could face similar issues and called for clearer birthplace guidance.