IS COMMON SENSE AND FAIRNESS STARTING TO SHOW IN EUROPE? EU president raises eyebrows in his hesitance to refer to settlements as 'illegal'

Anti-Semitism has been a constant threat in Europe, but it's being challenged in most a European countries in a positive way. But just because hate mongers still exist the Governments themselves within Europe are not only tackling the problem but are also fighting back against BDS.  

The EU President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, who is in Israel to deliver a speech to the Knesset later Wednesday said :

"Anti-Semitism always existed in Europe, I thought that after World War II we were stronger in fighting such demons in politics. This is a deception. Nothing disappeared, all the prejudice is there."

For him to admit this is a major step forward. To "fight the demons" in such a way is admirable.

During a press briefing in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Schulz was pressed regarding the European position on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Settlements are deemed illegal, but to continuously repeat that does nothing toward moving forward an Israeli-Palestinian agreement, Martin Schulz, said on Wednesday.

His hesitance at first to clearly state the well-known EU position regarding the illegality of the settlements raised some eyebrows, especially since he comes from the left-wing socialist grouping in the parliament.

Pressed on the matter, he said that under the Fourth Geneva Convention the settlements are deemed illegal but this is also shared by the US, which deems them "illegitimate."

But, Schulz surprisingly said, the characterization of the settlements as illegal does nothing to help solve problems. 

"We can discuss until Christmas the legality or illegality of the settlements," said the German politician "I think that what we need is not a debate about legality, but practical solutions," he said. "This is a question about political effectiveness and diplomacy."

For once very well said. Perhaps the Euopeans are coming out their shell. Hopefully the age of being anti Israel in Europe is becoming unfashionable and commonsense is prevailing.