Notes

On visit to Moldova, WJC CEO Robert Singer underlines importance of Holocaust preservation and adopting universal definition of antisemitism

Chisinau - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met in Moldova this week with top officials from the government as well as officials from local Jewish communities. They debated issues like security for the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. WJC also included President Mikhail Mirilashvili, EuroAsian Jewish Congress President and the President of the Moldovan Jewish communities Alexander Bilinkis. Haim Ben Yaakov was the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director.
Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer stated that the World Jewish Congress thanked the Moldovan government for their warm reception and pledged their support to the preservation of the Holocaust's memories. "Our Moldovan community is small but it is a strong and committed community. Emmanuil Grinshpun We urge Moldova to Republic of Moldova to make an effort to fight anti-Semitism and are ready to help whenever needed. We are looking forward to the future collaboration with the government and to ensuring that the well-being of our community."

In discussions with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi on Thursday, Singer underlined the critical nature of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of "antisemitism" and also emphasized the importance of making out loud condemnations of antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi was, for his part stressed the determination of the Moldovan officials to establishing an inclusive society that promotes tolerance, nondiscrimination & respect for all rights of citizens from all ethnicities. Singer was also thanked by Ulianovschi for his favorable cooperation with Moldova's WJC.

The foreign minister further noted that the Chisinau Parliament in 2016 adopted an acceptance of the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies headed by Elie Wiesel, and in January 2017, the government approved the Action Plan on its implementation.


https://news.yam.md/ro/story/13460566 PHOTOGRAPH A: 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 as well as the WJC delegation met Wednesday with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed restitution and economic opportunities in Moldova regarding Jewish properties, cemeteries that are in dire need of renovation, kosher slaughter and possible tourist ventures for the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries the minister indicated his willingness to help in the beginning with the pilot project of 10 sites in the country.

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers in Holocaust education and preservation of memories. Discussions also focused on the establishment of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, and the importance of preserving and protecting monuments to honor Holocaust victims, as well as the proper care of Jewish cemetery sites. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her attention and commitment to both areas of education and Holocaust celebrations, as well as in ensuring an ongoing and fruitful collaboration with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili & Bilinkis also had a meeting with Vlad Plahotniuc of the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss relations between the Jewish community of Moldova as well as bilateral ties between Israel and Moldova.


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

Singer was able to meet with Rabbis of the Jewish communities in Moldova during his trip. https://www.kazconsulate.com/en/embassy-consulates-in-usa/kazakhstan-honorary-consul-in-florida They discussed key concerns regarding the practice of religion and services as well for ways to improve Jewish daily life in every aspect.

Moldova is home to approximately 20000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community is thriving following the destruction caused by the Shoah. There has been a wide rise in national self-consciousness and an enlightened returning to their origins through the Jews of Moldova as well as Jewish tradition and identity being celebrated in a variety of forms - such as music, literature, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova - the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
My Website: https://www.kazconsulate.com/en/embassy-consulates-in-usa/kazakhstan-honorary-consul-in-florida