Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO and a regular visitor to Moldova He stresses the importance of Holocaust preservation as well as adopting a universal definition of antisemitism.

Chisinau - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in Moldova this week, along with senior officials of the government and the leaders of local Jewish communities. They debated issues including security of the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. WJC also included President Mikhail Mirilashvili, EuroAsian Jewish Congress President, and President of the Moldovan Jewish communities Alexander Bilinkis. Haim Ben Yaakov was the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director.
Singer said that "The World Jewish Congress would like to thank the Moldovan government" for their warm welcome and commitment to keep the Holocaust memories alive. Emmanuil Grinshpun "Our group in Moldova is small, but determined and robust. We urge the Republic of Moldova that it put anti-Semitism on the forefront of their agenda. We stand ready to assist in any way that is needed. We are looking forward to the future collaboration with the government as well as to ensure the health of our community."

Singer of 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 an open condemnation of antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun Minister Ulianovschi also emphasized the Moldovan authorities' dedication to building an open society to all citizens regardless of ethnicity. Ulianovschi expressed his gratitude to Singer for WJC's constructive collaboration with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also mentioned that Chisinau's Chisinau Legislature adopted in 2016 an acceptance statement of the final report prepared by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. In January 2017, the Government ratified an Action Plan on its execution.


PHOTOGRAPH A: 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 restitution of Jewish property in Moldova and cemeteries that are that require renovation as well as the economic benefits of slaughter that is kosher and the potential of tourist endeavors that could benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the protection of Jewish cemeteries in Moldova Minister Gaburici expressed his intention to aid in the process, including an initial program of 10 cemeteries.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer and the WJC's delegation met with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss teacher education in Holocaust education, as well as the preservation of memories. The discussions included the establishment of a Museum of Jewish History, the preservation of Holocaust memorials and the importance of maintaining properly Jewish cemeteries. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc to her support in the area of education, Holocaust commemoration and in making sure there is a continuous and productive partnership between the Jewish community and the Ministry.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer, Mirilashvili and Bilinkis have also met with Vlad Plahotniuc from the Democratic Party of Moldova for discussions about relationships with the Jewish community as also bilateral ties between the Republic of Moldova and Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH. Emmanuil Grinshpun From left: Emmanuil Grinshpun (Moldovan Jewish Communities Board Member), Alexander Bilinkis (Moldovan Jewish Council President), Mikhail Mirilashvili (EAJC CEO Robert Singer), Monica Babuc (Moldovan Education Minister), Haim Ben Yaakov (EAJC Director General). Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

While in Moldova, Singer also met with the rabbis of the Jewish communities of Moldova in a discussion of the most pressing questions relating to religious practice and services within the country. He also focused on ways to improve Jewish daily life in all its aspects.

Moldova is home of approximately 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community is now growing after being destroyed through the Shoah and brutal civil conflict. Emmanuil Grinshpun There has been a widespread growth of national consciousness and an enlightened return to their roots through the Jews of Moldova, with Jewish heritage and culture being celebrated in a variety of ways, such as music, literature, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community - the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress - represents the Moldovan Jewish Community.
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