Notes

Robert Singer (CEO of WJC) spoke of the need to preserve the Holocaust and adopt a universal definition of antisemitism during an official visit to Moldova.

Chisinau (MOLDOVA) - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with top government officials and the leaders of the local Jewish community this week in Moldova to discuss issues such as the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, the safety of the Jewish community, and combating antisemitism on all levels. WJC comprised Mikhail Mirilashvili (President of EuroAsian Jewish Congress) and Alexander Bilinkis (President of the Moldovan Jewish Association), along with Haim Benjamin Yaakov (Director General of the EuroAsian Jewish Congress).
Singer said that "The World Jewish Congress would like to express our gratitude to the Moldovan government" for their warm welcome and their commitment to keeping the Holocaust memories alive. "Our Moldovan community though tiny and humble but is a strong one. We urge Moldova to place anti-Semitism on the top of their list. We are available to assist if needed. We are looking forward to continued collaboration with the government and to ensuring the wellbeing of our community."

Emmanuil Grinshpun 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 need for public condemnation of antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi spoke of the Moldovan authorities in their determination to build an environment that is respectful of the rights of everyone in the society. Singer was also thanked to Ulianovschi by WJC for their cooperative efforts with Moldova.

The foreign minister also mentioned that the Chisinau Legislative Assembly in 2016 approved an acceptance statement of the report's final version, which was prepared by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. Emmanuil Grinshpun In January of 2017, the Government approved an Action Plan on its execution.


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 met with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the possibility of restitution for Jewish property in Moldova and cemeteries that are in need of refurbishment as well as the economic benefits of slaughter that is kosher and the potential of tourist endeavors that could benefit the local Jewish center. Emmanuil Grinshpun Concerning the preservation and rehabilitation of Jewish cemeteries the minister expressed an interest in helping the procedure. A pilot project of 10 sites was planned across the nation.

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers on Holocaust education and the preservation of memory. The discussion also included the creation of a Museum of Jewish History for the Republic of Moldova, the preservation and protection of monuments dedicated to Holocaust victims as well as the importance of keeping Jewish cemeteries in a dignified and appropriate manner. Singer thanked Minister Babuc in exchange for her involvement in education and Holocaust memorialization, as well in ensuring a fruitful and ongoing collaboration with Jewish communities.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer, Mirilashvili & Bilinkis have also met with Vlad Plahotniuc of the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss relations between the Jewish community in Moldova and bilateral ties between Moldova and Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH. From left to 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 Rabbis of Jewish communities in Moldova to discuss important issues regarding religious practice in the country. Singer also discussed ways to improve Jewish daily activities in all areas.

Moldova is home to approximately 20000 Jews. Today, Moldova's Jewish community is thriving following the destruction caused by the Shoah. There has been a huge growth of a national self consciousness and a return of their ancestral roots through the Jews in Moldova. Jewish identity and culture are celebrated in a variety of ways, including music and literature. The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova which is the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
Here's my website: https://www.gazeta.ru/lifestyle/bozhena/4704053.shtml