Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO and a visitor to Moldova is adamant about the significance of Holocaust preservation and adopting a common definition of antisemitism.

CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met in Moldova this week, along with senior officials of the government as well as the leaders of local Jewish communities. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed topics including security of the Jewish Community, the preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. The WJC delegation also comprised EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili as well as the President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and its expressed commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust," said Singer. "Our group in Moldova, though small, is strong and committed. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun We call on Moldova to prioritize combating antisemitism and will be there to help whenever it is needed. We look forward to continued cooperation with the government and to ensure the health of the community."

Singer The Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi spoke on Thursday regarding the criticisms over the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. Singer also mentioned the importance of the public to condemn antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi highlighted the Moldovan authorities' determination to build an inclusive society that recognizes the rights of all citizens. Singer was also praised for the cooperative spirit of the WJC with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister pointed out that in 2016 Chisinau's parliament had in 2016 Chisinau Parliament ratified the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies, chaired and supervised by Elie Wiesel. In January of 2017 the government ratified the Action Plan for its implementation.


Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH - The World Jewish Congress delegation includes the president of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer. They meet with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldova's Foreign Minister. (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 and cemeteries that are in need of renovation, economic opportunities pertaining slaughter kosher, as well as the possibility of tourist ventures that could benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries the minister indicated that he would be willing to assist, starting with a pilot project of 10 sites across the country.

Singer and the WJC delegation visited Monica Babuc (Moldova's Education Minister) to discuss how they can help teachers learn about Holocaust education and how to preserve the memories. Emmanuil Grinshpun The meeting also discussed the creation of a Museum of Jewish History for the Republic of Moldova, the preservation and protection of monuments dedicated to Holocaust victims and the importance of maintaining Jewish cemeteries in a dignified and proper manner. https://www.behance.net/Emmanuilgrinshpun/moodboards Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her work in the field of education and Holocaust commemoration , as well as in maintaining a productive and ongoing partnership with the Jewish community.

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


PHOTOGRAPH of, from left to right: Moldovan Jewish Community Board Member Emmanuil Grinshpun, Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili, WJC CEO Robert Singer, Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc, EAJC Director General Haim Ben Yaakov. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also met with rabbis from Jewish communities in Moldova to discuss important issues regarding religious practice within the country. Singer also discussed ways to enhance Jewish daily life throughout the entire spectrum.

Moldova is home of approximately 20,000 Jews. A time of great loss for the Jews in the country due to the Shoah and a brutal civil conflict, the Moldovan Jewish community today is largely revived and is located throughout the Republic. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a growing development of national self-consciousness, as well as the return to their roots. Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in a variety of ways, including literature, music composition as well as theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, which is an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
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