Germany is tackling antisemitism by requiring all new citizenship applicants to affirm Israel’s right to exist in order to receive naturalization. 

The move came into effect Thursday under changes made to Germany’s citizenship law as Berlin looks to clamp down on rising antisemitism amid Israel’s war against Hamas. 

“If you want to be naturalized in Germany, you have to commit to the values of a free society. This includes in particular the dignity and equality of all people,” Germany’s Interior Ministry said in a statement. “Anti-Semitic, racist or other inhumane actions are incompatible with the guarantee of human dignity of the Basic Law.”

Germany is home to the largest Palestinian population in Europe as anger over Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has mounted.

Anti-Israel meetings and protests have been halted or banned over concerns relating to hate speech and clashes with German police have escalated in recent months. 

The changes to the naturalization law not only looked to crack down on antisemitism, but also looked to “modernize” Germany by speeding up the citizenship process. 

Those who have worked in Germany for the last five years are now considered “well integrated” and no longer need to wait eight years previously mandated before seeking citizenship.

Applicants also no longer need to relinquish their previous citizenship in order to be naturalized into German society. 

“Our reform is a commitment to a modern Germany. We are strengthening Germany,” Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser said in a statement. “In the past, many debates have been held about citizenship law, which were characterized by exclusion and mood-building. These debates took place on the backs of people who have lived and worked in Germany for many years but could never be part of it. 

“This reform shows them: You belong to Germany,” she added.