• Saxony-Anhalt mandates pro-Israel stance for citizenship.
• Zieschang links German citizenship to anti-Semitism combat.
• Move reflects historical responsibility amid tensions.

German state of Saxony-Anhalt has instituted a new requirement for citizenship applicants, making it mandatory to declare support for Israel’s right to exist.

Aapplicants must provide a written statement affirming their recognition of Israel’s right to exist and condemning any efforts against the state.

The state’s Interior Minister, Tamara Zieschang, not only implemented this rule but also urged 15 other German states to adopt similar measures during a recent meeting of state and federal interior ministers. This directive comes from Saxony-Anhalt, the same state where the 2019 Halle synagogue shooting occurred, highlighting the urgency of addressing anti-Semitic sentiments.

The decree instructs authorities to closely monitor applicants for any signs of anti-Semitism and emphasizes that obtaining German citizenship requires a commitment to Israel’s right to exist. The state’s Interior Ministry has explicitly asked local authorities to deny naturalization to foreigners engaging in activities contrary to Germany’s basic law, including those directed at its liberal democratic order, anti-Semitism, and the denial of Israel’s right to exist.

Applicants who refuse to sign the declaration expressing support for Israel’s existence will face denial of naturalization, and their refusals will be documented for future reference. The move reflects Germany’s historical responsibility, stemming from the Nazi-led genocide of Jews during the Holocaust.

This development comes at a time when Israel has imposed a deadly siege in the Gaza Strip in response to a Hamas-led attack on Jewish kibbutzim, resulting in heightened tensions. The rise of Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks, particularly in Western and European regions, underscores the broader global context shaping these policies.

As Germany takes steps to rectify its dark past, this mandate underscores its commitment to protecting Jews and fostering an environment that rejects anti-Semitism.

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