2024-03-27 09:39:50
Those seeking German citizenship may soon have to answer test questions regarding anti-Semitism, Germany’s commitment to Israel, and Jewish life in the country, according to the Washington Post.
The German Ministry of the Interior said in a statement that the list of more than 300 questions from which the citizenship test questions are selected will be amended soon, pending final approval.
The German magazine “Der Spiegel” reported that the new questions will include: What is the name of the Jewish house of prayer? When was the State of Israel founded? Why does Germany bear a special responsibility towards the State of Israel? How is Holocaust denial punished in Germany?
This step comes months following the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt was required to submit a written commitment to “the right of the State of Israel to exist” as a condition for naturalization.
According to the American newspaper, Germany suppressed pro-Palestinian and anti-Semitic voices amid the Israeli war on Gaza, in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Germany and German institutions have been criticized in recent months for implementing strict rhetoric policies affecting pro-Palestinian protests, as well as canceling museum shows, book talks and other artistic events.
German Interior Minister Nancy Weiser told Der Spiegel magazine: “There is one thing that is particularly important to me… As a result of the German crime once morest humanity of the Holocaust, comes our special responsibility to protect the Jews and to protect the State of Israel. This responsibility is part of our identity today.” .
She continued, “Anyone who does not share our values cannot obtain a German passport,” adding, “We have drawn a completely clear red line here… Anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of contempt for humanity prevent citizenship.”
The 33-question citizenship test is one of several basic requirements to become a German citizen. To pass, applicants must correctly answer at least 17 multiple-choice questions within one hour.
A wave of more than 2,000 anti-Semitism incidents recorded by authorities since October 7 has prompted German leaders to call for better enforcement of the country’s anti-Semitism laws in recent months.
Chancellor Olaf Schulz said in a speech before the German parliament in late October, “There is no place for anti-Semitism in Germany. We will do everything to confront it. We will do so as citizens, and as bearers of political responsibility.”
This includes enforcing existing laws, Schulz said.
Although anti-Semitism itself is not a crime in Germany, an “anti-Semitic motive” may be considered a crime at sentencing.
In April 2023, the government announced that it would increase annual payments to the Central Council of Jews in Germany to regarding $24 million, to “further enhance the safety and security of Jewish communities.”
Holocaust denial is considered a crime in Germany, and is punishable by imprisonment.
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