1. Free and democratic “Leitkultur”
The values which decisively shaped the German Basic Law (constitution equivalent), the traditions and conventionalities are Judaeo-Christian and have led to a free and democratic guiding culture. Everyone living here, who accepts this guiding culture is part of society. Society enables the individual to freely fulfil their personal needs and carry out their personal goals, as long as these do not oppose to others, society or 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, democratic “Leitkultur”. This task also entails guaranteeing external, internal and social security for its citizens. We have great trust in the constitutional state and its ability to balance between security and maintaining individual civil rights and liberties. The constitutional state should be defensive. Those who do not accept its guiding culture should be sanctioned, or – if possible – expelled from the country.
The constitutional state’s strength depends on three components: 1. being in the possession of sanctioning mechanisms, 2. these mechanisms being known to the addressees and 3. the credible application of these mechanisms.
The state should maintain its division from religious institutions. No religion should have separate prayer rooms in public buildings and – apart from religion classes – no exceptions should be made from the curriculum in public schools.
3. Jewish religion
There has been Jewish life in Germany for more than 1500 years. Judaism is part of the German culture and the federal state fully supports its continued existence and its prospering within its guiding culture. German Jews see themselves as loyal German citizens and call Germany their home. As per self-definition, Judaism does not have a missionary tendency and has no aspirations to change social interaction.
4. Israel
Many Jews deem Israel their spiritual home. The special bond between Germany and the democratic Jewish State of Israel is based on history; today it is, however, mainly characterized by the shared values of both democracies as well as the similar social, economic and security issues in both countries.
We expect Germany to provide Israel with solidarity and support in the peace process and to understand that fulfilling the Palestinian wish for self-determination must not lead to further threats of Israel’s security. Apart from radical Islamic groups, Iran is the biggest threat for Israel and the free world; it should be met with strength and not with appeasement.
5. Treatment of political Islam
The increasing influence of Islamic organisations and associations which want to give the religion a political dimension or whose values are not consistent with the Basic Law is not only worrying for Jewish Germans.
The state should apply more stringent criteria for cooperation and support. Organisations, associations and mosques, which do not unconditionally stand behind democracy and human rights should be prohibited, closed and if necessary, prosecuted. Treaties can only be concluded in line with strict provisions. Financial and directional influencing by foreign governments of German organisations and groups of people should be strictly prohibited.
6. Prevention of “collateral damage”
In the course of safeguarding against political Islam and dismantling parallel societies, it is necessary to resolutely enforce the principal of equality before the law. There must not be any lawless areas. However, this must not lead to inappropriate levelling down.
a) Circumcision & Shechita
Jewish circumcision and kosher slaughtering (Shechita) are constituting components of Jewish religion. Their conditions and circumstances are sufficiently governed already.
b) Dual nationality
Albeit there being many reasons why a person should only have one nationality, in certain cases, holding two nationalities should be possible. Such cases should be judged carefully . Historically speaking, Jews are connected to several countries. Such sound judgement would be advisable in the case of e.g. German-Israeli citizens. Individual assessments should also take into consideration legal and technical reasons.
7. Anti-Semitism
Rightly so, the battle against classic anti-Semitism (e.g. economic, political and journalistic conspiracy theories) are political consensus. “Criticism of Israel”, “anti-Zionism” and the “BDS movement”, characterized by double standards, however, are the same form of hatred in a different guise. There should be no room for this. Therefore we call for prevention through education and information and condemnation of anti-Semitic incidents and statements.
8. Radicalism
Any form of division of society should be counteracted. We find the spreading of hatred vis-à-vis dissidents and minorities – as well as the contempt of some for the social form of our free-democratic coexistence – intolerable.
We demand that the established democratic parties and our government take on these problems.
On our own account: The listed signatories to the position paper were involved in its creation on different levels and are deeming these postion as a common expression of opinion. They are known to the initiators. The acceptance as supporter took place without evaluation and was possible until the moment of receipt of the last partisan response.
List of signatories followed by a list of supporters: see German version.
