Those who wish to obtain German citizenship will have to answer questions about Israel. The German government has prepared a new version of the application form for applicants for a German passport. Interior Minister Nancy Feiser spoke about this in an interview with Spiegel.
Questions include: What is the name of a Jewish house of worship? When was the State of Israel founded? What is the reason for Germany's special responsibility for Israel? How is Holocaust denial punished in Germany?
Those seeking German citizenship could soon have to answer test questions about antisemitism, Germany’s commitment to Israel and Jewish life in Germany.
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Another question with a bit of a trick. It goes like this: Who can become a member of the approximately 40 Jewish Maccabi sports clubs in Germany? The correct answer is any person, this is indicated in the organization’s documents.
“As a result of Germany's crime against humanity of the Holocaust, there arises our special responsibility for the protection of Jews and the defense of the State of Israel. This responsibility today is part of our identity,” said the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Alemania: examen de nacionalidad preguntará sobre Israel
La ministra del Interior prevé incluir preguntas sobre el Holocausto, el derecho de Israel a existir y la vida judía en Alemania, publica 'Der Spiegel'.
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The initiative came from the leadership of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. They have committed to making the “right of the State of Israel to exist” a requirement for citizenship. In Berlin they decided that it would be easier to include this question in the questionnaire and come up with several others.
“Anyone who does not share our values cannot obtain a German passport. We have drawn a crystal clear red line here. Anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of disrespect for humanity preclude naturalization,” added Nancy Feiser.
Since October 7, 2023, more than two thousand anti-Semitic incidents have been registered in Germany. The country's authorities increased funding for Jewish organizations, and a number of events condemning Israel were cancelled.
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