Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO during a visit to Moldova, stresses the importance Holocaust preservation and the necessity of adopting the universal definition of antisemitism

Chisinau (MOLDOVA) Chisinau (MOLDOVA) World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with senior government officials and leaders of the local Jewish community this week in Moldova. They discussed topics like the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, security of the Jewish community and fighting the spread of antisemitism across all levels. Along 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 and President Alexander Bilinkis of Moldovan Jewish Community.
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its gracious reception and for its proclaimed determination to preserve the memory of the Holocaust," said Singer. "Our Moldovan community although small and dedicated but is a strong one. We call on Moldova to prioritize fighting antisemitism, and we are ready to assist as necessary. We are looking forward to continued cooperation with the government and to ensure the health of our community."

Singer 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 for the public to condemn antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi stressed on his part the commitment of Moldovan authorities Moldovan authorities to establishing an environment that is based on the principles of tolerance, non-discrimination , and respect for the rights of all citizens of every ethnic group. Ulianovschi was also grateful to Singer for WJC's constructive cooperation with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also noted that Chisinau's Chisinau Parliament had adopted in 2016 an acceptance of the report final of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed by Elie Wiesel. Then, in January 2017 the Government approved the Action Plan on its implementation.


PHOTOGRAPH Photograph of a World Jewish Congress delegation with Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis (far right) and WJC CEO Robert Singer, (second left) in a having a meeting with Tudor Ulianovschi (secondright). (c/ World Jewish Congress

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the restitution of Jewish property in Moldova as well as cemeteries in need of refurbishment, economic opportunities pertaining kosher slaughter, and the possibility of tourism ventures for the local Jewish center. The minister announced his intention to advocate for the preservation of Jewish cemeteries. He began with 10 sites.

Singer and the WJC delegation have met with Monica Babuc (Moldova's Education Minister) to discuss ways in which they can help teachers learn about Holocaust education and preserve the memory of Holocaust victims. The meeting also discussed the creation of the creation of a Museum of Jewish History for the Republic of Moldova, the preservation and protection of monuments to Holocaust victims, and the importance of maintaining Jewish cemeteries in a respectful and proper manner. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her support in the fields of education, Holocaust commemoration and in making sure there is a continuous and productive collaboration with 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 relations between Moldova and Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH: From left to right: Emmanuil Grinshpun is an active member of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Alexander Bilinkis is President of Moldovan Jewish Community. Robert Singer, CEO WJC, Monica Babuc, Director General Haim Ben Yaakov, President Mikhail Mirilashvili and Monica Babuc are all Moldovan Education Ministers. (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 the country's Jewish daily routine, and he also addressed the concerns of those who live there.

Moldova is home to approximately 20000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community, which was devastated by the Shoah as well as an unrest, is now flourishing and expanding across the nation. There is a significant development of a national self awareness and a return to their origins through the Jews in Moldova. Jewish identity and culture are honored in many ways, including literature and musical composition. 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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