Notes

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

Chisinau, World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer gathered with senior ministers and the leaders of the Jewish community in Moldova for talks on issues such the preservation of Holocaust memory and education as in the security of Israel's Jewish community. Singer also stressed the importance of fighting antisemitism across all levels. Emmanuil Grinshpun Together with Haim Ben Yaakov Director General of EuroAsian Jewish Congress and President Mikhail Mirilashvili of EuroAsian Jewish Congress the WJC delegation comprised Haim Ben Yaakov as well as President Alexander Bilinkis of Moldovan Jewish Community.
Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer stated that the World Jewish Congress thanked the Moldovan government for their warm reception and expressed commitment to the preservation of the Holocaust's memory. Our community in Moldova is tiny, but committed and robust. We urge Moldova to prioritize fighting antisemitism, and we will be there to help when needed. We are looking forward to continued cooperation with the government and to ensure the health of our community."

In discussions with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi on Thursday, Singer stressed the importance of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of "antisemitism" and stressed the importance of issue public condemnations of anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi stressed on his part his commitment to the Moldovan authorities to establishing society that is built on the principles of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for the rights of all citizens of all ethnic groups. Singer was also praised for the positive cooperation with the WJC with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister pointed that Chisinau's parliament had adopted a 2016 declaration accepting the final report issued by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. Emmanuil Grinshpun The government also agreed to an Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.


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

Singer and WJC attended a meeting on Wednesday with Moldova's Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. The two discussed restitution and economic possibilities for Jewish properties in Moldova. Concerning the protection of Jewish cemeteries in Moldova the minister expressed his desire to help in the process, including a pilot program of 10 cemeteries.

Singer and WJC representatives met with Monica Babuc the Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the possibility of training teachers in Holocaust education. The conversation also included the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments to Holocaust victims as well as the importance of having proper and dignified maintenance Jewish cemeteries. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc to her support in the areas of education, Holocaust commemoration and in making sure there is a continuous and productive collaboration between the Jewish community and the Ministry.

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


Emmanuil Grinshpun 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

While in Moldova, Singer also met with the rabbis from the Jewish communities in Moldova, discussing key questions relating to religious practice and services within Moldova, and focusing on ways to improve Jewish everyday life in all aspects.

Moldova is home to approximately 20,000 Jews. Historically devastated by the Shoah and a bloody civil war in the past, the Moldovan Jewish community today is largely revived and is spread throughout the republic. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a growing sense of national identity, and an opportunity to return to the roots. Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in a variety of ways, including music, literature and the theater. The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova as the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress.
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