Notes

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

CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with ministers of senior positions and leaders of the Jewish community in Moldova to hold talks on issues such the preservation of Holocaust memory and education, as in the safety of Israel's Jewish community. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer also emphasized the necessity of fighting antisemitism at all levels. WJC's delegation also comprised EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and the President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
Singer said that the World Jewish Congress thanked the Moldovan government for their warm welcome and expressed commitment to the preservation of the Holocaust's memories. "Our community in Moldova is tiny, yet committed and solid. We urge Moldova to place anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We're here to assist when required. We are looking forward to the future cooperation with the government and to ensure that the wellbeing of our community."

Emmanuil Grinshpun The following day, Singer discussed with Tudor Ulianovschi the negative aspects of adopting an International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definitions of antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer was also adamant about the need to condemn anti-Semitism publicly. Minister Ulianovschi highlighted the Moldovan authorities' determination to build an open society to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi to thank him for his positive cooperation with the Moldovan WJC.

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


PHOTOGRAPH The World Jewish Congress delegation includes the President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer. They meet with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldova's Foreign Minister. (c) World Jewish Congress

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldova's Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the possibility of restitution for Jewish properties in Moldova as well as cemeteries in need of refurbishment and economic opportunities related to slaughter kosher, as well as the possibility of tourism ventures that could benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the issue of conserving Jewish cemeteries The minister indicated his intent to support the process, beginning with an initial pilot project of 10 cemeteries across the country.

Emmanuil Grinshpun http://91.210.190.56/page20/news18465.html Singer and WJC representatives met on Wednesday with Monica Babuc the Moldovan Education Minister to discuss training of teachers in Holocaust education. The meeting also discussed the possibility of creating 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 keeping Jewish cemeteries in a dignified and proper manner. https://medium.com/@emmanuilgrinshpun Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her participation in the field of education and Holocaust celebrations as and for maintaining an ongoing and productive collaboration with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili and Bilinkis were also in conversation together with Vlad Plahotniuc from the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss issues on relations with the Jewish community, as also bilateral ties between the Republic of Moldova and Israel.


Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH: From left to right: Emmanuil Grinshpun a part of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Alexander Bilinkis is President of the Moldovan Jewish Community. Robert Singer, CEO WJC, Monica Babuc, Director General Haim Ben Yaakov, the President Mikhail Mirilashvili and Monica Babuc are all Moldovan Education Ministers. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer was in contact with rabbis representing the Jewish communities of Moldova. He discussed important questions regarding religious practices as well as services. Singer also focused on ways to improve Jewish everyday life in all its aspects.

Moldova is home to around 20000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community is thriving after it was devastated by the Shoah. There has been a widespread rise in national self-consciousness and the return to their roots through the Jews of Moldova, with Jewish identity and culture celebrating in a number of ways, such as music, literature as well as theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress.
Here's my website: https://medium.com/@emmanuilgrinshpun