By: Tzirel Rosenblatt

Brandon Korff, the Jewish-American billionaire and media executive credited with spearheading the $35 billion sale of Paramount, has formally applied for Israeli residency, in what officials describe as a symbolic and strategic gesture of solidarity with the Jewish state at a time of mounting international pressure and hostility.

According to a senior government official quoted by The Jerusalem Post, Korff’s decision to cement ties with Israel reflects not only personal conviction but also a calculated vote of confidence in the country’s resilience during a period of unprecedented scrutiny. “This is a meaningful and encouraging step for Israel,” the official remarked. “At a time when Israel’s global standing is under criticism and boycotts are intensifying, such a powerful figure in the media landscape is a welcome presence.”

Korff is best known as the grandson of Sumner Redstone, the legendary architect of Paramount Global, who transformed a modest cinema chain into a global media empire. Under Redstone’s leadership, Paramount consolidated some of the most iconic assets in American entertainment, including CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, and the intellectual property rights for blockbuster franchises such as Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.

The recent $35 billion sale of Paramount, in which Brandon Korff played a decisive role, is widely regarded as a landmark transaction in the history of global media. As The Jerusalem Post report has highlighted, the deal not only marked the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s oldest studios but also positioned Korff as a formidable figure in shaping the industry’s next phase.

By securing Israeli residency, Korff appears poised to weave his personal narrative into that of the Jewish state, reinforcing Israel’s stature at the crossroads of culture, commerce, and global influence.

Korff’s application for Israeli residency did not emerge in a vacuum. His connection to Israel has been steadily deepening over several years, with his philanthropy and family ties serving as visible bridges.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, Korff has been a consistent benefactor of Israeli institutions, donating substantial sums to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), healthcare institutions, and local community initiatives. His contributions have supported cutting-edge medical research, rehabilitation facilities for veterans, and cultural projects aimed at fostering resilience in underprivileged communities.

These philanthropic endeavors align with a broader family commitment to Israel. Notably, Korff’s brother served as a lone soldier in an elite IDF unit — a distinction that places the family within the intimate circle of American Jewns who have made direct sacrifices for Israel’s security.

One political analyst, also cited in The Jerusalem Post report, remarked: “Brandon Korff’s growing presence in Israel is not only financial. It is emotional and symbolic. This residency application is the natural next step in a trajectory of increasingly visible solidarity.”

In 2025, Korff significantly increased the duration and visibility of his stays in Israel. He attended major cultural, political, and philanthropic events, and, according to government officials, engaged in behind-the-scenes conversations with business leaders about expanding Israel’s footprint in the global media and technology sectors.

As The Jerusalem Post report observed, Korff’s presence in Israel during a year of profound diplomatic challenges sent a powerful message to allies and critics alike: that Israel remains not only a homeland for the Jewish people but also a viable hub for global capital and creativity.

Officials in Jerusalem believe Korff’s decision will resonate far beyond the borders of Israel. “When someone of his stature anchors himself here, it sends a signal to other Jewish business leaders worldwide,” one senior diplomat told The Jerusalem Post. “It says: this is not a time to retreat from Israel, but to invest in its future.”

The timing of Korff’s application carries undeniable symbolic weight. Across Europe, North America, and parts of the Middle East, calls for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel have intensified, particularly in the wake of recent military conflicts and political disputes. Jewish communities worldwide have reported spikes in antisemitic incidents, leaving Israel often portrayed as both embattled and isolated.

Against this backdrop, Korff’s choice to secure Israeli residency — and, by extension, to tether his personal and professional identity to the state — is being interpreted as an emphatic rejection of efforts to delegitimize Israel.

As one commentator told The Jerusalem Post, “This is not merely about personal residence. This is about a global media figure making a stand, declaring that Israel is not to be boycotted, shunned, or erased from the world stage. It is to be supported.”

Israeli officials see Korff’s move as extending beyond philanthropy and symbolism into the realm of cultural diplomacy. Media moguls shape global narratives, and Korff’s potential influence within Israel could amplify its voice across the entertainment and cultural sectors.

In a country where narrative and perception play crucial roles in international relations, the presence of someone with Korff’s media pedigree is seen as invaluable. According to the information provided in The Jerusalem Post report, there is speculation that Korff may eventually channel investments into Israel’s burgeoning film, television, and technology industries, positioning the country not only as a high-tech powerhouse but also as a creative hub for global media.

One senior cultural official told the outlet: “The impact of Brandon Korff choosing Israel as a home cannot be overstated. This is not only about money or business deals. It is about influence, storytelling, and shaping how the world sees Israel.”

The resonance of Korff’s move is magnified by his connection to the Paramount legacy. For decades, Paramount’s global reach through CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other networks helped shape the cultural imagination of millions. By bringing this legacy closer to Israel, Korff symbolically links the history of American entertainment with the future of Israeli resilience and innovation.

As The Jerusalem Post noted in a recent analysis, this symbolic convergence could carry profound implications. In an era when Israel faces delegitimization campaigns in the cultural sphere — from boycott pressures on artists to negative portrayals in media — the presence of a figure like Korff could help rebalance perceptions and ensure that Israel’s narrative is heard globally.

At its core, Brandon Korff’s decision to apply for Israeli residency is a vote of confidence in the country at a time when confidence is sorely needed. His move intertwines personal legacy, family commitment, and strategic symbolism, making it one of the more notable expressions of solidarity by a global Jewish figure in recent memory.

For Israel, still grappling with diplomatic headwinds and surging antisemitism abroad, Korff’s presence represents a reminder that the nation continues to attract allies of stature, vision, and influence. As The Jerusalem Post report said, “At a time when Israel’s global standing is under scrutiny, the decision of a media titan like Brandon Korff to anchor himself here is a meaningful affirmation of Israel’s place in the world.”

Korff’s story is not just about the sale of Paramount or the legacy of the Redstone family. It is about the intertwining of media power, philanthropy, and Jewish identity — and about one man’s decision to stand with Israel when it matters most.