Spain Approves Bill Granting Citizenship to Sephardic Jews
Applicants must be vetted by Spanish Federation of Jewish Communities or by local rabbis, pass culture test to win citizenship.
Spain's cabinet has approved a bill allowing descendants of Jews forced into exile centuries ago the right to dual citizenship.
- Spain Offers Citizenship and Israelis Freak Out
- Portugal to Grant Sephardic Jews Citizenship
- Judaism Triumphant in Barcelona
- Spanish Cities Celebrate Their Jews
- Spain Passes Return Bill for Sephardic Jews
Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria says Sephardic Jews must have their heritage vetted by the Spanish Federation of Jewish Communities or by rabbis where they live. Applicants will also have to pass a Spanish culture test.
The plan approved Friday is aimed at righting what the government calls a "historic mistake" in sending Jews into exile starting in 1492, forcing them to convert to Catholicism and burning them at the stake during the Inquisition.
The reform will allow dual nationality, enabling the newly minted Spaniards to retain their previous citizenship. Spain currently grants that privilege only to Latin Americans.
It is expected to pass easily in Parliament.
Click the alert icon to follow topics:
Comments
Israeli PM Offers Condolences After Texas Gunman Kills 21 at Elementary School
Biden Decides to Keep Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Terror List, Says Report
Progressive Jews Urge ADL Chief to Apologize for Calling Out Democratic Activist
It’s AIPAC vs. Bernie Sanders in Too-close-to-call Texas Democratic Runoff
Biden Does What His Three Predecessors Talked About Yet Failed to Do
