Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO, emphasized the significance of Holocaust preservation and adopting a universal definition of antisemitism during a trip to Moldova

Chisinau - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer gathered this week in Moldova with top ministers of the Republic of Moldova and leaders of the local Jewish community to discuss preservation of Holocaust knowledge and culture and security for the Jewish community and the best way to combat antisemitism at all levels. 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.
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and its expressed dedication to the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust," said Singer. The community we have in Moldova is small , yet committed and strong. We ask the Republic of Moldova that it place anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We will support any assistance needed. We look forward to continued cooperation with the government, and to ensure the well-being of the community."

On Thursday, Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova's Foreign Minister) and emphasized the importance of adopting a definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Singer also spoke out about the importance of public condemnations be issued against anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi highlighted on his own behalf his commitment to the Moldovan authorities to build a society in the spirit of tolerance, non-discrimination , and respect for the rights of citizens of every ethnic group. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer was also acknowledged for the positive cooperation of the WJC with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

The Foreign Minister also pointed out that Chisinau Parliament Chisinau Parliament adopted in 2016 a Declaration accepting the final report by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed by Elie wiesel. A plan to implement it was approved by the Government in January of 2017.


PHOTOGRAPH - WJC CEO Robert Singer and Alexander Bilinkis, President of Moldovan Jewish Community (far left) Meet with Tudor Ulianovschi (2nd right) at the World Jewish Congress. Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and WJC representatives met with Moldova's minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici on Wednesday, to discuss possibility of restitution and the economic value of Jewish property in Moldova. This included cemeteries that need refurbishment and opportunities for kosher slaughter. In relation to the protection and the restoration of Jewish cemetery sites the minister expressed an interest in helping to facilitate the procedure. A pilot project of 10 sites was planned across the country.

Singer as well as the WJC delegation have met with Monica Babuc (Moldova's Education Minister) to discuss ways they could train teachers on Holocaust education and preserve memories. Discussions also focused on the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, and the importance of preserving and protecting monuments that honor Holocaust victims and proper maintenance of Jewish cemetery sites. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc for her participation in the fields of education and Holocaust commemoration , as well as for her efforts to maintain a productive and ongoing collaboration with the Jewish community.

Mirilashvili, Singer, and Bilinkis also met with the chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, for talks on relations with the Jewish community as well as the republic of Moldova's ties bilaterally with the State of Israel.


Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH from left to right: Emmanuil Ghinshpun is an active member of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Alexander Bilinkis is President of Moldovan Jewish Community. https://www.dailymotion.com/dm_3d94ebe8a2cfb20b878d32d5b528c264 Robert Singer, CEO WJC, Monica Babuc, Director General Haim Ben Yaakov, the President Mikhail Mirilashvili and Monica Babuc are all Moldovan Education Ministers. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also had a meeting with rabbis of Jewish communities across Moldova to discuss key questions regarding the practice of religion within the country. https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/on-visit-to-moldova-wjc-ceo-robert-singer-underlines-importance-of-holocaust-preservation-and-adopting-universal-definition-of-antisemitism-8-4-2018 Singer also discussed ways to improve Jewish daily activities in all aspects.

Moldova is home to more than 20,000 Jews. The country was devastated by the Shoah and a brutal civil war in the past, the Moldovan Jewish community today is mostly revived and located throughout the Republic. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a growing the sense of national self-consciousness as well as an opportunity to return to the roots. Emmanuil Grinshpun Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in various forms, including literature, music composition, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova which is the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
Website: https://www.dailymotion.com/dm_3d94ebe8a2cfb20b878d32d5b528c264