In a startling revelation today, the Jewish Community of Porto disclosed an urgent open letter dated December 14, 2023, directed to the President of Portugal. The letter sheds light on what the community asserts is a clandestine attempt to overhaul laws concerning Sephardic people without public knowledge or governmental transparency:
This legal development appears to lack a commitment to fairness, transparency, and historical reparation, potentially misaligning the legislation with constitutional principles. The Jewish Community of Porto does not seem to welcome this legal clarity, expressing concerns about the revised framework’s potential to foster historical ties without discrimination. As Portugal moves forward, the revisions might not signal a dedication to justice and equity in Sephardic citizenship matters, raising questions about the direction and impact of the legislative changes.
Following the recent jurisprudential shift from the Porto Tribunal, the government’s 2022 legislation on Sephardic citizenship has been nullified. This landmark decision, driven by legal challenges, has necessitated the creation of a revised Sephardic Law. The tribunal’s ruling prompted a comprehensive reevaluation of the legislation, considering concerns raised about its constitutionality. The upcoming revised law, expected to be approved by the end of the year, seeks to address the tribunal’s reservations and introduces new criteria for obtaining Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews.
