Becoming a member
The Israelite Community Basel (IGB) is a place of encounter for all Jews. We cultivate Jewish life in all its diversity - from religious to cultural. A Jewish house for all!
The Israelite Community Basel is the only Jewish community in the Basel region recognized under public law. As a unified congregation, we are open to all for whom the cultivation of a Jewish identity is important.
On our premises on Leimenstrasse you will find everything you need: a daycare center, kindergarten, elementary school, mikvah, a kosher restaurant, two synagogues and the community center with a large hall. Our social services as well as our Rabbinate will advise and support you in all aspects of life. For the various aspects of Jewish life, our associations and institutions offer a home.
We also manage and maintain the Jewish cemetery at Theodor Herzl-Strasse 90 in Basel. The community thrives on the commitment of its members, who work on a voluntary basis on the executive board or in various commissions.
Our offer in brief:
- Cultural and educational events and social occasions for all ages
- Care, recreation and education for children and teenagers from 6 months to 18 years of age
- Religious services: whether daily prayer or on High Holy Days – the synagogue is open to all members for their needs
- Participation and co-determination at the congregational meeting, in the board of directors and in the various commissions
Associations close to the IGB, for example the Jewish Gymnastics Association, the Jewish Women’s Association or the Synagogue Choir, enrich Jewish life in Basel and the surrounding area and invite people to get together in an informal atmosphere.
Strengthening Jewish life
Last but not least, membership in the IGB is also an expression of solidarity.
Internally, as a contribution to maintaining the wide range of services and activities for Jewish people in the Basel region and to nurturing the Jewish community, culture and identity now and in the future.
Externally, as we represent the interests and needs of the Jewish population at both the cantonal and federal level (through membership in the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities).
We look forward to meeting you!
Membership fee
The community is mainly financed by tax contributions from its members.
These currently amount to 12% of the basic cantonal income tax, with a minimum of CHF 100 and a maximum of CHF 21,700. For single persons as well as for persons who are married or living in a registered partnership and both belong to the community, the full rate, i.e. 12%, is applied. For married couples and registered couples in which only one partner belongs to the municipality, half the rate is applied, i.e. 6%. No community taxes are levied for children.
For members residing in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, the assessment and collection of communal taxes is carried out by the Canton together with the cantonal tax.
For members outside the Canton of Basel-Stadt, the assessment is made by the municipality. A power of attorney is required for this.
Contact for tax questions: Bettina Marti
FAQ community taxes
How do I apply for a remission?
Cantonal members (residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt)
A tax waiver can only be granted by the cantonal tax administration. However, the IGB can grant tax contributions upon request in a social or psychological emergency/hardship situation. These contributions are taxable.
Prerequisites:
- The person making the request is a member of the IGB.
- The applicant is in financial or psychological distress.
- Existence of a rejected application for remission by the cantonal tax administration.
The request must be submitted in writing to the social services of the IGB. Please contact the social worker responsible for this.
Members from outside the canton
Please refer directly to the social services
What should be considered in the case of dual memberships?
If a member residing in Basel or the surrounding area also belongs to another Jewish community, he/she is entitled to a 25% reduction in the community tax upon application. Since the cantonal tax authority of Basel-Stadt can only administer one religious affiliation per person, members must contact the tax department of the IGB for the refund. Prerequisites for the reduction are:
- Proof of membership in another Jewish community.
- Proof that the amount of tax or membership fee in the other Jewish community is at least equal to the reduction of the IGB community tax.
The claim for refund must be made within one year of the end of the calendar year in which the claim for reduction arises, otherwise it expires.
If a member who is not resident in Basel or the surrounding area also belongs to another Jewish community, he/she is entitled to a 50% reduction in the community tax upon application.
Are payments on account possible?
Cantonal members can make payments on account directly to the Basel-Stadt tax administration.
Non-cantonal members can make payments on account to the IGB. Please contact Bettina Marti, responsible for taxes, in advance.