Notes

Robert Singer (CEO of WJC) emphasized the need to preserve the Holocaust and adopt a common definition of antisemitism on a visit in Moldova.

CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in Moldova with top ministers of the Republic of Moldova and leaders of the local Jewish community to discuss the preservation of Holocaust knowledge and culture as well as the security of the Jewish community and ways to fight antisemitism at every level. WJC included Mikhail Mirilashvili (President of EuroAsian Jewish Congress) as well as Alexander Bilinkis (President of the Moldovan Jewish Association) together with Haim Benjamin Yaakov (Director General of the EuroAsian Jewish Congress).
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its gracious welcome and its expressed determination to preserve the memories of the Holocaust," said Singer. The community we have in Moldova is tiny, but committed and robust. We urge the Republic of Moldova to make an effort to fight anti-Semitism and are ready to help whenever needed. We are looking forward and wish to continue working with the government to protect the health of our community.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun The following day, Singer discussed with Tudor Ulianovschi the negative nature of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Association's definitions of antisemitism. He also stressed the importance to publicly condemn anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi highlighted on his own behalf the determination of the Moldovan authorities to establishing a society in the spirit of non-discrimination, tolerance and respect for the rights of citizens from every ethnic group. Singer was also thanked by Ulianovschi by the WJC for their cooperative efforts with Moldova.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The foreign minister also pointed out that the Chisinau Parlament ratified in 2016 a Resolution accepting the final report by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies presided over by Elie Wiesel. A plan for its implementation was ratified by the Government in January of 2017.


PHOTOGRAPH of the World Jewish Congress delegation, which includes 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

Singer and the WJC delegation met on Wednesday with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed potential for restitution and economic growth in Moldova concerning Jewish property, cemeteries which require urgent reconstruction, kosher slaughter, and possible tourist ventures to benefit the local Jewish centre. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries , the minister expressed that he would be willing to assist in the beginning with an initial project that would involve 10 sites across the country.

Also on Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation also met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers in Holocaust education and preservation of memory. Discussions also included discussions about the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, as well as the preservation and protection of monuments to honor Holocaust victims and proper maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. http://dudoser.com/user/Emmanuil-Grinshpunnkvf690/ Singer thanked Minister Babuc for her work in the field of education and Holocaust commemoration , as well as in maintaining an effective and continuous partnership with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, as along with Bilinkis have met with Vlad Plahotniuc (Chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova) to discuss the relations between Jewish communities and bilateral ties of Moldova with Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH from left to right: Emmanuil Ghinshpun is a part of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Alexander Bilinkis is President of Moldovan Jewish Community. http://sezru.com/user/Emmanuil-Grinshpunggcy107/ Robert Singer, CEO WJC, Monica Babuc, Director General Haim Ben Yaakov, the President Mikhail Mirilashvili and Monica Babuc are all Moldovan Education Ministers. Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also met with the Rabbis of the Jewish Communities of Moldova. The two discussed the most important aspects of religious practice, services as well as the country's Jewish everyday life. he also addressed the concerns of the residents of Moldova.

Moldova is home to about 20,000 Jews. Today, Moldova's Jewish community has come back to life after being devastated by the Shoah. There has been an increase in self-consciousness and pride in the nation and an emergence from their roots by the Jews Moldova. Jewish culture is celebrated in a variety forms including literature, musical composition and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
Homepage: http://speca.by/user/Emmanuil.Grinshpunorsf304/