Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO He emphasized the importance of Holocaust preservation and a universal definition of antisemitism during a visit to Moldova

CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer visited Moldova this week, along with senior officials of the government as well as the leaders of local Jewish communities. They discussed topics like security for the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. The WJC group also included EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis, along with EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director General Haim Ben Yaakov.
Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer said that "The World Jewish Congress would like to thank the Moldovan government" for their warm welcome and their commitment to keeping the Holocaust memorial alive. "Our community in Moldova, though small, is committed and solid. We call on the Republic of Moldova that it place anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We stand ready to help in any way we can. We look forward to future collaboration with the government as well as to ensuring that the well-being of our community."

On Thursday, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He stressed that it was necessary to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer also discussed the necessity of addressing antisemitism in public. Minister Ulianovschi spoke of the Moldovan authorities determined to create a society that respects the rights of every citizen. Singer was also praised for the positive cooperation with the WJC with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also mentioned that the Chisinau Parliament in 2016 adopted a declaration accepting the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies headed by Elie Wiesel, and in January 2017, the government approved an Action Plan on its implementation.


PHOTOGRAPH of the World Jewish Congress delegation, including Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis (far left) and WJC CEO Robert Singer (second left) meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi (second right). (c) World Jewish Congress

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldova's Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the possibility of restitution for Jewish property in Moldova, including cemeteries in need of renovation and economic opportunities related to slaughter kosher, as well as the possibility of tourist ventures that could benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning preservation of Jewish cemeteries , the minister expressed his willingness to help in the beginning with an initial project that would involve 10 sites across the country.

Singer and the WJC delegation met with Monica Babuc (Moldova's Education Minister) to discuss ways in which they can train teachers in Holocaust education and how to preserve the memories. Emmanuil Grinshpun Discussions also covered the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, as well as the preservation and protection of monuments to honour Holocaust victims and proper maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc and her ongoing and productive collaboration with the Jewish Community.

Singer, Mirilashvili & Bilinkis also met with Vlad Plahotniuc of the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss the relationship between the Jewish community in Moldova and bilateral relations between Moldova and Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH. Photo taken from left: Emmanuil Grindshpun Moldovan Jew Community Board member, Alexander Bilinkis President, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili; WJC CEO Robert Singer; Monica Babuc Moldovan Education Minister Haim Be Yaakov EAJC Director General Haim Bin Yaakov (c) World Jewish Congress

While in Moldova, Singer also met with the rabbis of the Jewish communities in Moldova and discussed important concerns pertaining to the practice of religion and services within the country, while focusing on ways to improve Jewish daily living in all aspects.

Moldova is home to 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community is now flourishing after being devastated through the Shoah and the bloody civil war. There is a broad rise in national consciousness and the revival of their origins through the Jews of Moldova, with Jewish tradition and identity being celebrated in a variety of ways, including literature, musical composition and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova - the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress.
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