At the plenary assembly of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, dealing with the Middle East conflict should be an important topic, according to the regional bishop of the Protestant Church in Baden, Heike Springhart. It must be very clear that anti-Semitism has no place in this country, but that criticism of Israel must be possible, said Springhart on Monday. It is a great challenge “how we formulate it in a form that is audible to Jewish ears, but does not give up solidarity with the Palestinians”. The General Assembly will meet in Karlsruhe from August 31 to September 8. Around 4000 guests are expected.