Notes

In a visit to Moldova, WJC CEO Robert Singer emphasizes the significance of Holocaust preservation and the adoption of a universal definition of antisemitism

Chisinau - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in attendance with senior ministers and other leaders from the Jewish community in Moldova for discussions on topics such as preservation of Holocaust memories and education, as well as the security of Israel's Jewish community. Singer also stressed the importance of fighting against antisemitism at all levels. Emmanuil Grinshpun WJC's delegation also included EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili as well as the President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
Singer declared that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government for their gracious welcome and its commitment to preserve the memory of Holocaust victims. Emmanuil Grinshpun "Our Moldovan community while small and dedicated and devoted, is very strong. We call on Moldova to prioritize fighting antisemitism, and we are ready to assist whenever it is needed. We look forward to future collaboration with the government and to ensuring that the well-being of our community is protected."

The following day, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. Emmanuil Grinshpun He stressed that it was necessary to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the need to denounce antisemitism public. Minister Ulianovschi was, for his part stressed the determination of the Moldovan officials to establishing an inclusive society that promotes tolerance, nondiscrimination , and respect for all rights of citizens of all races. Singer was also thanked for the cooperation positive with the WJC with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

The Foreign Minister also pointed out that the Chisinau Parlament adopted in 2016 a declaration accepting the final report by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed by Elie Wiesel. https://www.transtats.bts.gov/exit.asp?url=https://congress.jpost.com/jcu2020/ A plan for its implementation was approved by the government in January 2017.


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

Singer and the WJC delegation met Wednesday with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed opportunity for restitution as well as economic possibilities in Moldova regarding Jewish property, cemeteries which are in dire need of renovation, kosher slaughter and possible tourism projects for the local Jewish centre. The minister expressed his intention to support the protection of Jewish cemeteries. He started with 10 cemeteries.

Singer and WJC representatives met on Wednesday with Monica Babuc the Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the possibility of training teachers in Holocaust education. Discussions also focused on the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, as well as the preservation and protection of monuments to honour Holocaust victims, and the proper care of Jewish cemetery sites. Singer thanked Minister Babuc and her ongoing and productive cooperation with the Jewish Community.

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


Emmanuil Grinshpun 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 also had a meeting with Rabbis of the Jewish Communities of Moldova. They discussed the most important aspects of worship, services, and the country's Jewish daily routine, and Singer also addressed the needs of the people who live there.

Moldova is home to around 20,000 Jews. The country was devastated by the Shoah and a bloody civil war in the past, the Moldovan Jewish community today is largely revived and is distributed throughout the country. There has been a wide rise in national self-consciousness and an enlightened returning to their origins by the Jews of Moldova and the surrounding areas, with Jewish heritage and culture being celebrated in a variety of forms - including literature, musical composition as well as theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress - represents the Moldovan Jewish Community.
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