Notes

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

Chisinau - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer visited Moldova this week with top officials from the government and the leaders of local Jewish communities. They discussed issues like security for the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory as well as education and antisemitism. WJC's delegation also included EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili as well as the President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer said that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and its pledge to protect the memory of Holocaust victims. "Our Moldovan community although small and dedicated but is a strong one. Emmanuil Grinshpun We call on the Republic of Moldova not to make anti-Semitism the top priority and are ready to assist in any situation. We look forward for future collaboration with the government as well as to ensuring the well-being 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 public condemnation of antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi, on his part, emphasized the commitment of Moldovan officials to establishing an environment that is based on tolerance, nondiscrimination , and respect for the rights of all citizens from all ethnicities. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi as an example of positive co-operation with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also pointed out that Chisinau's Parliament has adopted a declaration from 2016 accepting the final report issued by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. The Government also approved an Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.


Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH - A World Jewish Congress delegation with Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis (far right) and WJC CEO Robert Singer, (second left) and meeting with Tudor Ulianovschi (secondright). (c/ World Jewish Congress

Singer and the WJC delegation met on Wednesday with Moldova's Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed restitution and economic opportunities in Moldova regarding Jewish property, cemeteries which are in dire need of renovation, kosher slaughter and possible tourism projects to benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation and rehabilitation of Jewish cemetery sites, the minister expressed interest in helping the process. A pilot project of 10 sites was scheduled across the country.

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers on Holocaust education and the preservation of memories. The discussions covered topics like the establishment of an Museum of Jewish History within the Republic of Moldova; the preservation and protection of monuments that honor Holocaust victims as well as the importance of maintaining a dignified and proper maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc for her participation in education and Holocaust celebrations as and for maintaining a productive and ongoing partnership with the Jewish community.

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


PHOTOGRAPH. Left from right: Emmanuil Grinshpun, Moldovan President of the Jewish Community, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili CEO Robert Singer, Monica Babuc and Haim Ben Yoakov, Moldovan Education Minister. Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also had a meeting with rabbis from Jewish communities across Moldova to discuss the most pressing issues regarding religious practice in the country. Singer also discussed ways to enhance Jewish daily life throughout the entire spectrum.

Moldova is home to approximately 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish Community is nearly 20,000 strong today, after having been devastated by the Shoah in the past as well as an armed civil war that was bloody. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a rise in self-consciousness , and a journey to their roots. They're proud of their Jewish heritage and their culture, which is celebrated in literature, music 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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