There are people who go through life without leaving any imprint, no notable name or career worth mentioning. Rather, they were created by the positions they happened to hold but did not use as an opportunity to make any remarkable change. Then, there are those who leave a lasting imprint both in name and deed, thereby restoring some of the shine to high-ranking positions that have so often faded and corroded with time. Among these remarkable figures is European Union (EU) Representative to Palestine, Sven Kon Von Burgsdorff, who truly did justice to the important position he held.

What makes Mr. Von Burgsdorff so distinguished is not only his sincere and genuine efforts to reconcile with his position as head of European diplomacy in the occupied Palestinian territories, a position that often equates the aggressor with the aggrieved. It is also due to his often costly and difficult “semi-Sisyphean” attempts to reconcile between a utilitarian, schizophrenic official position, which most of the time falsifies history, and a personal moral position that upholds justice and human rights. He had to reconcile between the situation that “should be” versus the one ‘that is”, especially in a place where time is measured by the number of martyrs, houses destroyed, land confiscated and cubic meters of water, stolen.

This onerous adventure meant he was present in Gaza, in Jenin, in Jerusalem and everywhere in between, doing away with formalities and protocols. It meant he was in the right place at the right time, always upholding his positions. In all cases, this has been extremely effective and symbolic, especially at a time when sympathy with the Palestinians has become exceedingly costly and shunned by many in high positions. In a win/lose equation, silence has become less costly for those who seek a “professional or political career” than character assassination through being branded as anti-Semitic. Positions last four years or so, which can be endured by swallowing a little or a lot of water.  Silence is a lifeboat; if used correctly, it can save but if not used enough, it can kill.

Sven’s legacy of presence, positions and solidarity will always be remembered and appreciated. We hope that his successor will continue this legacy and be someone who takes a stand and tells the truth in the face of a vicious occupier and politicians who cast morals aside.

Thank you, Sven, the human being, the diplomat and the politician. You are unrivaled among all other individuals and institutions in the cold capitals of Europe.

*Director General of Al Mezan Center for Human Rights