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Cardiff-born billionaire Sir Michael Moritz has spoken openly about his desire to obtain German citizenship, citing increasing hostility toward Jewish people in the UK. Moritz, whose family suffered greatly under Nazi persecution, describes Britain as a challenging environment for Jews today, pointing to a persistent undercurrent of antisemitism. Drawing parallels between past atrocities and present-day discrimination, he considers acquiring a German passport a form of security—a potential escape route not available to his ancestors.
Moritz, aged 71, holds dual UK and US citizenship and is recognized as the wealthiest Welshman in history, having amassed a fortune through early investments in technology giants like Yahoo and Google. In his memoir, *Ausländer*, he details his family’s harrowing experiences during the Holocaust. His paternal grandparents, Max and Minnie Moritz, were victims of the Nazi regime, and he uncovered images in public archives showing relatives such as his great-uncle Oskar Moritz and cousin Mira Marx being forcibly taken by the Gestapo to their deaths. Escaping the horrors of Germany, Moritz’s parents settled in Cardiff, where he attended Howardian High School. He recalls feelings of alienation from a young age, recalling examining the phone directory and seeing that his family’s surname was the only “Moritz”—something that felt like a stark marker of difference.
Discussing antisemitism in Britain, Moritz contrasted it with his experiences in the US, suggesting that hostility toward Jews is more acute in the UK. He mentioned relatives living near Heaton Park synagogue, a site of a recent violent attack, who knew many victims though were not members of that synagogue themselves. Moritz also highlighted how Jewish children in parts of London avoid wearing school uniforms to evade being identified with Jewish institutions, emphasizing how such instances add up to significant daily reminders of exclusion. His choice to apply for German citizenship stems partly from Germany’s thorough education on its Nazi past, offering a measure of reassurance, even if it cannot guarantee future safety.
Beyond his personal history, Sir Michael expressed concerns about the UK’s business environment, which he sees as less favorable than that of the US or China. He pointed out shortcomings in the expertise of British company boards, which he believes hold back technological innovation. On the topic of artificial intelligence, Moritz predicted disruptive consequences for lower-skilled white-collar workers, though he suggested creative professionals might benefit enormously from the new tools AI provides. Reflecting on his family, he recalled his mother’s cautiousness about standing out, amused that she remained suspicious of his riches, convinced he must have been involved in wrongdoing—a testament to the complex legacy of identity and difference that has shaped his life
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