Germany is cracking down on anti-Semitism by requiring all new citizenship applicants to affirm Israel's right to exist in order to be naturalized.
The measure came into effect Thursday under changes to Germany's citizenship law as Berlin seeks to crack down on rising anti-Semitism amid Israel's war with Hamas.
“Anyone wishing to become a naturalised citizen of Germany must commit themselves to the values of a free society, which includes in particular the dignity and equality of all people,” the German Interior Ministry said in a statement. “Anti-Semitic, racist or inhumane actions are incompatible with the guarantee of human dignity provided for in the Basic Law.”
The Israeli flag flies between the flags of the European Union and Germany outside the Reichstag on April 9, 2024 in Berlin. The ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza following the October 7, 2023 terror attack by Hamas has complicated the issues of freedom of speech and anti-Semitism in Germany, a country that in recent decades has maintained a very broad interpretation of anti-Semitism that often includes criticism of Israel. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
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Germany's naturalization test has been expanded to include questions on 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 the existence of the State of Israel and Jewish life in Germany.”
The exam consists of 35 questions on topics such as democracy and German history. To pass, it is necessary to answer at least 17 questions correctly, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Senior German officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have pledged their unwavering support for Israel following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas terrorists that killed more than 1,200 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly, even as opposition to the continued Jerusalem campaign has grown in Germany.
Police officers take security measures as people gather to organize 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 is home to Europe's largest Palestinian population as anger mounts over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Anti-Israel rallies and protests have been suspended or banned over fears of hate speech, and clashes with German police have escalated in recent months.
The changes to the naturalization law were not only intended to end anti-Semitism, but also to “modernize” Germany by speeding up the citizenship process.
German police clash with anti-Israel protesters outside Humboldt University in Berlin. (Photo by Michele Tantussi/Getty Images)
Those who have worked in Germany for the past five years are now considered “well integrated” and no longer need to wait the eight years previously required before applying for citizenship.
Applicants no longer need to renounce their previous citizenship in order to become naturalized in German society.
Federal Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs Nancy Faeser speaks at the “Peace Day” of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Defence in Berlin on June 27, 2024. (Photo by Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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“Our reform is a commitment to a modern Germany. We are making Germany stronger,” said Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in a statement. “In the past, there have been many debates on citizenship law that were characterised by exclusion and anti-citizenship. These debates were conducted behind the backs of people who have lived and worked in Germany for many years, but were never able to be part of it.
“This reform shows them: you belong to Germany,” he added.
