Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO on a trip to Moldova insists on the importance of Holocaust preservation and the need to adopt an anti-semitism definition that is universal

Chisinau, MOLDOVA - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in the Republic of Moldova with senior government officials and the leaders of the local Jewish community for discussions that focused on the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, the security of the Jewish community, and the need to combat antisemitism on all levels. WJC included Mikhail Mirilashvili (President of EuroAsian Jewish Congress) as well as Alexander Bilinkis (President of the Moldovan Jewish Association) together with Haim Benjamin Yaakov (Director General, EuroAsian Jewish Congress).
Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer said that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government, for its warm welcome and for its pledge to protect the memory of Holocaust victims. "Our Moldovan community though small and devoted and devoted, is very strong. We call on the Republic of Moldova not to make anti-Semitism the top priority and are ready to assist if required. We look forward to future cooperation and to ensuring the community's well-being.

The following day, Singer discussed with Tudor Ulianovschi the negative nature of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definitions of antisemitism. Singer was also adamant about the need to condemn anti-Semitism publicly. Minister Ulianovschi expressed his support of Moldovan authorities and stressed their commitment to building an inclusive society. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi for his positive cooperation with the Moldovan WJC.

The foreign minister also pointed that the Chisinau Parliament had adopted a 2016 declaration in support of the report finalized by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. The government also agreed to the Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.


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

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldova's Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the restitution of Jewish property in Moldova, including cemeteries in need of renovation, economic opportunities pertaining kosher slaughter, and the possibility of tourist ventures for the local Jewish center. Minister Gaburici expressed his desire to promote the protection of Jewish cemeteries. He started with 10 sites.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Also on Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation also met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers on Holocaust education and the preservation of memory. The discussion included the creation of a Museum of Jewish History, the preservation of Holocaust memorials, and the importance of properly maintaining Jewish cemetery. https://zippyshare.com/emmanuil.grinshpunmtsp784 Singer thanked Minister Babuc for her work in education and Holocaust celebrations as well as in maintaining an effective and continuous collaboration with the Jewish community.

Mirilashvili, Singer, and Bilinkis were also in contact with the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, for talks regarding relationships with the Jewish community as well as the republic of Moldova's bilateral ties with the State of Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH. Photo taken from left to right: Emmanuil Grindshpun, Moldovan Jew Community Board Member, Alexander Bilinkis President, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili; WJC CEO Robert Singer; Monica Babuc Moldovan Education Minister, Haim Be Yaakov EAJC Director General Haim Bin Yaakov (c), World Jewish Congress

Singer met with the Rabbis from the Jewish communities in Moldova. He discussed important questions regarding religious practices as well as the services offered. Singer also focused on ways to enhance Jewish everyday lives in all aspects.

Moldova is home to approximately 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish Community is nearly 20.000 strong in the present, following being devastated by the Shoah in the past and the bloody civil war. There is a significant development of a national self consciousness as well as a return to their ancestral roots through the Jews in Moldova. Jewish identity and culture are honored in many ways, including music and literature. The Moldovan Jewish Community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, which is an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun
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