Faced with a rise in anti-Semitic acts, Berlin overhauls its rules on access to naturalization. Since the Thursday and Nationality Reform came into effect, applicants for citizenship now face questions during the entrance exam that combine “themes of anti-Semitism, the status of Israel and the life of Jews in Germany,” according to a speech by the German Interior Ministry. CNN.
The new law also addresses questions of “Germany’s special historical responsibility in the unjust regime of National Socialism and its consequences, particularly the protection of Jewish life.” In this test, aimed at weeding out anti-Semitic applicants, we specifically find: What is the name of a Jewish place of worship? When was the state of Israel founded? How does Germany have a special responsibility for Israel?
To gain access to the prized German passport, candidates must acknowledge Germany’s responsibility for the Shoah and the murder of six million Jews, implying recognition of Israel’s right to exist. The Ministry of the Interior argues, “The rejection of any form of anti-Semitism, the oblivion, concealment or minimization of the Nazi genocide of the Jews of Europe, and the recognition of the special and close relationship of the Federal Republic of Germany with the State of Israel, especially Israel’s security and right to exist, are part of the German state’s cause.”
Relaxation of Access to Nationality
Conviction of an anti-Semitic or racist act immediately blocks access to one of the identification documents, the precious red passport bearing the federal eagle. Most powerful in the world. For certain crimes, Naturalization Service agents are now required to inquire with the Attorney General to determine whether any anti-Semitic intent has been detected.
As in France, anti-Semitism is making a comeback in Germany, where hostility to the Israeli offensive in Gaza was fueled in reaction to an attack by the Islamist group Hamas against Israel on October 7. Anti-Semitic acts are set to increase by 80% in 2023, according to a report released Tuesday by the Federal Association of Centers for Research and Information on Anti-Semitism.
In general, the reform of access to nationality in Germany – strongly criticized by the opposition – above all loosens the conditions for obtaining citizenship. One of the key measures is to allow candidates not to renounce their previous country by acquiring dual nationality. Delivery times are also reduced from 8 to 5 years, and may be accelerated further if integration proves particularly successful.
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