Saxony-Anhalt, a state in Germany has done what many around the country are calling for: If you want to be a citizen of Germany, you need to pledge allegiance to Israel. The legality of this remains unclear.
Effective immediately, those applying forGerman citizenship in the east-central state of Saxony-Anhalt must declare their support for Israel’s right to exist. This “commitment” is part of new language that state interior minister, Tamara Zieschang, informed relevant authorities about in a ministerial decree this week.
Failing to do so would deny naturalization to foreigners who otherwise fulfill the necessary conditions for obtaining German nationality. Under the new guidelines, applicants would have to sign a declaration that they “recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against the existence of the state of Israel.”
A more thorough check of “antisemitic attitudes” would also be part of the naturalization process.
