Joseph Joffe’s skepticism on Israel joining the EU is understandable.

The processes of the EU reveal its drivers and values. These are freedom, justice and solidarity. The EU is a magnet for the development of these values in the former Eastern block. In yesterday’s elections in Serbia, the radicals came first. The Democrats however increased from 15-20%. Serbia wants to enter a united Europe to take advantage of democracy, markets and values. Europe also provides a framework for democracy and security.

At the EU’s genesis, no one took a realistic approach for its outcome. The tools the EU is offering to Israel are internalized with ambivalence by the Israelis. There is a deep understanding that anti-Semitism is endangering the unity of the EU. Joining the efforts to fight anti-Semitism will reinforce the EU’s unity. Israel can help with this.

I am the Chairman of the OSCE in fighting anti-Semitism. Chris Smith has also stated that all the OSCE should fight anti-Semitism. This already occurs at a state level. Justice Ministers of the EU have said that a new law should be passed through the national parliaments to counter Holocaust denial. The OSCE has worked out a working definition of anti-Semitism to integrate into European law. I along with my counterparts have asked faction leaders for a common view that we are ready to fight anti-Semitism such as Ahmadinajad’s anti-Semitic conference on the Holocaust.

Iran must be countered for its sponsorship of anti-Semitism. However as Peres has stated, Iran can not be perceived in black and white. In local elections there is a growing tendency against Ahmadinajad. All energies should be channeled to counter anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is also increasing on university campuses. Israel could be an active partner to counter this phenomenon.