1. A free and democratic “Leitkultur”

The values that decisively shaped the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz, the equivalent of a constitution), together with the country’s traditions and conventions, are Judaeo-Christian and have given rise to a free and democratic guiding culture. Everyone living here who accepts this guiding culture is part of society. Society enables individuals freely to meet their personal needs and to pursue their personal goals, as long as these do not conflict with other people, with society or with the law.

We would like Germany to be part of a vital European Union.

2. The state as a neutral constitutional state

It is the state’s role to protect this free and democratic “Leitkultur”. This task also entails guaranteeing external, internal and social security for its citizens. We have great trust in the constitutional state and in its ability to strike a balance between security and the preservation of individual civil rights and liberties. The constitutional state should be able to defend itself. Those who do not accept its guiding culture should face sanctions or – where possible – be expelled from the country.

The strength of the constitutional state depends on three components: 1. possessing mechanisms for imposing sanctions, 2. those mechanisms being known to those they address, and 3. the credible application of those mechanisms.

The state should maintain its separation from religious institutions. No religion should have separate prayer rooms in public buildings and – apart from religious education lessons – no exceptions should be made to the curriculum in state schools.

3. The Jewish religion

There has been Jewish life in Germany for more than 1,500 years. Judaism is part of German culture, and the federal state fully supports its continued existence and its flourishing within the country’s guiding culture. German Jews see themselves as loyal German citizens and call Germany their home. By its own definition, Judaism has no missionary tendency and no aspiration to change social interaction.

4. Israel

Many Jews regard Israel as their spiritual home. The special bond between Germany and the democratic Jewish State of Israel is rooted in history; today, however, it is characterised above all by the shared values of the two democracies and by the similar social, economic and security challenges facing both countries.

We expect Germany to show solidarity with Israel and to support it in the peace process, and to understand that fulfilling the Palestinian wish for self-determination must not lead to further threats to Israel’s security. Alongside radical Islamist groups, Iran poses the greatest threat to Israel and to the free world; it should be met with strength rather than with appeasement.

5. Dealing with political Islam

The growing influence of Islamic organisations and associations that seek to give the religion a political dimension, or whose values are not compatible with the Basic Law, is a matter of concern not only for Jewish Germans.

The state should apply more stringent criteria to cooperation and funding. Organisations, associations and mosques that do not stand unreservedly behind democracy and human rights should be banned, closed and, where necessary, prosecuted. Agreements may be concluded only under strict conditions. Financial influence and ideological steering of German organisations and communities by foreign governments should be strictly prohibited.

6. Avoiding “collateral damage”

In safeguarding against political Islam and dismantling parallel societies, the principle of equality before the law must be enforced resolutely. There must be no lawless spaces. However, this must not lead to inappropriate levelling down.

a) Circumcision and shechita

Jewish circumcision and kosher slaughter (shechita) are constitutive elements of the Jewish religion. The conditions and circumstances under which they take place are already sufficiently regulated.

b) Dual nationality

Although there are many reasons why a person should hold only one nationality, in certain cases holding two nationalities should be possible. Such cases should be assessed carefully. Historically, Jews have ties to several countries. Such careful judgement would be advisable in the case of German-Israeli citizens, for example. Individual assessments should also take legal and practical considerations into account.

7. Anti-Semitism

The fight against classic anti-Semitism (for example economic, political and journalistic conspiracy theories) is rightly a matter of political consensus. “Criticism of Israel”, “anti-Zionism” and the “BDS movement”, marked as they are by double standards, are however the same hatred in a different guise. There should be no room for it. We therefore call for prevention through education and information, and for the condemnation of anti-Semitic incidents and statements.

8. Radicalism

Every form of division within society should be countered. We regard the spreading of hatred towards dissenters and minorities – and the contempt shown by some for the free and democratic form of our shared life – as intolerable.

We call on the established democratic parties and on our government to take on these problems.

On our own behalf: the signatories listed for the position paper were involved in its creation to varying degrees and regard these positions as a shared expression of opinion. They are known to the initiators. Supporters were accepted without any vetting, and it was possible to join until the moment the last response from a party was received.

List of signatories followed by a list of supporters: see the German version.