2023-12-07 16:56:38
Berlin. In a circular sent to local authorities by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, located in eastern Germany, it was stated that recognizing Israel’s right to exist is a state matter that also concerns the transition to German citizenship.
In her statement to the press, Minister of Internal Affairs Tamara Zieschang stated that with the circular sent, those who apply for German citizenship in the state must declare that they accept the existence of Israel and that they have made this a prerequisite for citizenship. Before naturalization, applicants are required to confirm in writing that they “condemn all actions and efforts aimed at the existence of the state of Israel.” In the decree he published, Zieschang announced that the practice is valid as of December 1.
The decree also states that those who apply for citizenship must be taken into consideration “whether there are any signs of antisemitic attitudes” and that they will not be accepted for citizenship if they engage in activities against the free democratic basic order, commit antisemitic crimes, or deny Israel’s right to exist.
While this decision taken by the state of Saxony-Anhalt caused repercussions throughout the country, it is said that other states will implement similar practices. In addition, the draft law that facilitates the transition to German citizenship and allows dual citizenship also foresees some restrictions that prevent the transition to citizenship.
German Interior Minister: “Israel’s existence and security are part of Germany’s raison d’être”
The bill, which is expected to become law in the summer of 2024, stipulates that the acquisition of German citizenship will be contingent on commitment to Israel’s right to exist and a declaration that the person applying for citizenship does not take any stance against the existence of the State of Israel. According to the bill, if there is “evidence that the applicant has an antisemitic attitude”, naturalization will not be possible.
As a matter of fact, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who defended this condition in the bill, said, “This means that those who engage in anti-Semitic behavior cannot be German citizens. This condition also applies to anyone who denies Israel’s right to exist. “It is clear to me that the existence and security of Israel is part of Germany’s raison d’être and that Jewish life belongs to that,” he said. (yenivatan.at)
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