In response to the recent surge in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, Germany has imposed stringent regulations targeting slogans and activities deemed to support terrorism or antisemitism. Under a newly amended citizenship law, individuals who publicly endorse slogans like ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’—which is clearly about the abolition of Israel—will be denied obtaining German citizenship.
Citing the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Jerusalem Post reported that people who are employed in Germany will now be required to work for five years now as opposed to the previous eight before they can apply for citizenship, but other requirements have been tightened. The new rules now specifically state that ‘racism, antisemitism, or any other form of misanthropy rule out naturalization’.
The regulation, implemented to reflect Germany’s historical responsibility towards Jewish life, stipulates that expressions of support for groups like Hamas or statements undermining the state of Israel could disqualify an applicant from obtaining citizenship. The citizenship clause states ‘Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist injustice and its consequences, especially for the protection of Jewish life.’
‘German police have been actively disrupting pro-Palestinian gatherings for some time now’
The crackdown on antisemites has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of infringing on free speech and conflating legitimate political expression with antisemitism. Notably, the German police have been actively disrupting pro-Palestinian gatherings for some time now. For example, a recent conference in Berlin was shut down after authorities raised concerns that speakers might incite violence or express antisemitic sentiments. In parallel, the police raided the homes of pro-Palestinian activists in Berlin, citing concerns over public safety and antisemitic posts on social media.
These measures come amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Germany, where pro-Palestinian activism is often linked to broader political debates around integration and social cohesion. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent statements also reflect an effort to counter the rise of the populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which has been gaining traction with its anti-immigration platform
Hungary’s Pre-emptive Ban on Pro-Hamas Gatherings
In contrast, Hungary took a proactive approach as early as last year by banning pro-Hamas rallies. The Hungarian government implemented these measures as part of a broader national security agenda, emphasizing the prevention of any activity that could be perceived as supporting terrorist organizations. The decision was driven by the government’s strong stance on maintaining public safety and solidarity with Israel, positioning Hungary as one of the strictest European nations in regulating public demonstrations related to the Israel–Palestine conflict.
After the horrific attack on Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voiced his moral support to Israel and also vowed to not let ‘pro-terror demonstrations’ happen in Hungary.
Hungary’s alignment with Israel and its stringent policies on public protests are reflective of its broader geopolitical stance, which prioritizes counterterrorism and the protection of Jewish communities, and also echoes Budapest’s zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism.
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