In a bold move aimed at combating antisemitism and fostering a deeper understanding of its historical and political ties, Germany has introduced a set of 12 new questions related to Judaism and Israel into its citizenship test. The new questions are designed to exclude anti-Semitic individuals from obtaining citizenship. This marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to integration and national identity.
The updated test will now include questions covering topics regarding the Holocaust, Jewish culture, and the state of Israel. This initiative, part of a broader revision of the citizenship test, aims to ensure that
applicants have a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s complex history and its stance on Israel.
‘Antisemitism, racism and other forms of contempt for humanity rule out naturalization,’ Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told Der Spiegel. ‘Anyone who does not share our values cannot get a German passport,’ he added.
Last December one of the German states, Saxony-Anhalt have already introduced the requirement for applicants to affirm in writing that they back the Jewish state’s ‘right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against’ its continuance. Therefore, although the approach is not entirely new, it will now be applied countrywide.
Supporters of the new set of questions argue that this measure is essential in the fight against antisemitism, which has been on the rise in recent years.
The move has been lauded by Jewish organizations and human rights advocates, who see it as a necessary step to educate new citizens about Germany’s past and its ongoing commitment to supporting the Jewish community and the state of Israel.
The new set of questions include:
- ‘What is an example of antisemitic behaviour?’
- ‘On what legal basis was the state of Israel founded?’
- ‘What are the reasons that Germany has a special responsibility for Israel?’
- ‘What statements to Israel are forbidden in Germany?’
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the inclusion of these questions is politically motivated and could alienate certain groups of applicants, especially those with migratory background.
Germany experienced a sharp rise in the number of antisemitic incidents last year,
particularly following the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. Their number rose by over 80 per cent in 2023, according to an annual report by the organization RIAS, which has been monitoring antisemitic incidents in Germany since 2017.
Related articles:
