Germany is tackling anti-Semitism by requiring all new citizenship applicants to confirm Israel’s right to exist before they can be naturalized.
The move follows changes to Germany’s citizenship law that came into effect on Thursday, as Berlin looks to curb rising anti-Semitism amid Israel’s war with Hamas.
“If you want to become a German citizen, you must be committed to the values of a free society. This includes in particular the dignity and equality of all people,” the German Interior Ministry said in a statement. “Anti-Semitism, racism or other inhumane behavior is not related to The Basic Law is incompatible with the protection of human dignity.”
The Israeli flag flies between the EU and German flags outside the Reichstag building in Berlin on April 9, 2024. Issues of free speech and anti-Semitism in Germany are further complicated by Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. explanations, which often include criticism of Israel. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
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Germany’s naturalization test has been expanded to include questions about anti-Semitism.
“In response to rising anti-Semitism in Germany, the questionnaire for the naturalization test has also been expanded,” the interior ministry said, listing topics including “anti-Semitism, the right to exist of the State of Israel and Jewish life in Germany.”
The test consists of 35 questions on topics such as democracy and German history. According to the Jerusalem Post, at least 17 questions need to be answered correctly to pass.
After an attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 that killed more than 1,200 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly, senior German officials including Chancellor Olaf Schulz pledged unwavering support for Israel, despite Opposition to continued actions in Jerusalem grows in Germany.
Police security measures were in place as people gathered for a march in support of Palestinians in Berlin on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Cuneyt Karadag/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Germany has the largest Palestinian population in Europe and there is growing anger in Israel over the war waged by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Anti-Israel meetings and protests have been suspended or banned amid concerns about hate speech and escalating clashes with German police in recent months.
The changes to the naturalization law are not only intended to combat anti-Semitism, but also to “modernize” Germany by accelerating the citizenship process.
German police stand in front of anti-Israel protesters in front of Humboldt University in Berlin. (Photo by Michelle Tantusi/Getty Images)
People who have worked in Germany in the past five years are now considered “well integrated” and no longer have to wait eight years to obtain citizenship as previously required.
Applicants also no longer need to renounce their previous citizenship status to become naturalized in German society.
Federal Minister of the Interior and Homeland Nancy Feser delivers a speech at the Peacekeeping Day of the Ministry of the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Defense in Berlin on June 27, 2024. (Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/Photo Alliance from Getty Images)
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“Our reforms are a commitment to a modern Germany. We are strengthening Germany,” Federal Interior Minister Nancy Feser said in a statement. “In the past, there have been many debates on citizenship laws, characterized by exclusion and emotion-building. These debates were held with the support of people who had lived and worked in Germany for many years but could never participate in it. .
“This reform shows them: you belong to Germany,” she added.
