Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO on a trip to Moldova insists on the importance of Holocaust preservation and the necessity of adopting a universal antisemitism definition

Chisinau World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in Moldova along with the senior ministers from the Republic of Moldova and leaders of a local Jewish community to discuss the preservation of Holocaust culture and history as well as the security of the Jewish community and ways to fight antisemitism at every level. WJC also included the President Mikhail Mirilashvili, EuroAsian Jewish Congress President and the President of Moldovan Jewish Communities Alexander Bilinkis. Haim Ben Yaakov was the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director.
https://www.apollo.io/people/Emmanuil/Grinshpun/54a1d0d47468694f8f327e13 Singer said that "The World Jewish Congress would be grateful to the Moldovan government" for their warm welcome and for their dedication to keeping the Holocaust memorial alive. "Our Moldovan community is tiny but it is committed and solid. Emmanuil Grinshpun We urge to the Republic of Moldova not to give anti-Semitism a top priority . We are prepared to help if needed. We look forward to and expect to continue cooperation with the government in order to ensure the well-being for our community.

On Thursday, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He emphasized the need to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the necessity of addressing antisemitism in public. Minister Ulianovschi, on his part highlighted the dedication of the Moldovan officials to build an inclusive society that promotes tolerance, nondiscrimination & respect for all rights of citizens of all ethnicities. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi by WJC for their cooperation with Moldova.

The foreign minister also noted that in 2016, the Chisinau parliament accepted the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies, chaired and supervised by Elie Wiesel. In January 2017, the government approved an Action Plan for its implementation.


PHOTOGRAPH A World Jewish Congress delegation including the Moldovan President Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. (c/ World Jewish Congress

Singer and the WJC delegation attended a meeting on Wednesday with Moldova's Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. Emmanuil Grinshpun The discussions was focused on the restoration and preservation of Jewish property in Moldova. This included cemeteries that need to be renovated as well as economic opportunities related to kosher meat. Additionally, there was the possibility for tourist activities to benefit the local Jewish Center. Concerning the protection of Jewish cemeteries in Moldova Minister Gaburici expressed his desire to help in the process, and suggested a pilot program of 10 cemeteries.

Singer and WJC's delegation met Wednesday with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss teacher training in Holocaust education as well as preservation of memories. Emmanuil Grinshpun The discussion included the creation of an Museum of Jewish History, the preservation of Holocaust memorials, as well as the importance of properly maintaining Jewish cemeteries. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc for her assistance in the areas of education, Holocaust commemoration and in creating a long-lasting and successful partnership between the Jewish community and the Ministry.

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


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

Singer also met with the Rabbis from the Jewish Communities of Moldova. The two discussed important issues related to the practice of religion, services and Moldova's Jewish daily routine, and he also addressed the concerns of the people who live there.

Moldova is home to approximately 20000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community has come back to life following the destruction caused by the Shoah. There has been an increase in self-confidence and national pride and also a return from their roots by the Jews Moldova. Jewish culture is celebrated in various ways, such as music, literature and the theater. Emmanuil Grinshpun The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan part of the World Jewish Congress. Emmanuil Grinshpun
My Website: https://emmanuilgrinshpun.wordpress.com/