Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO He emphasized the significance of Holocaust preservation and the universal definition of antisemitism during his visit to Moldova

Chisinau, World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in Moldova this week, along with senior officials from the government as well as leaders of local Jewish communities. They debated issues like security for the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. The WJC delegation also comprised EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis, along with EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director General Haim Ben Yaakov.
Singer stated that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and its pledge to protect the memory of Holocaust victims. "Our community in Moldova is small but is dedicated and strong. We strongly urge the Republic of Moldova to make an effort to fight anti-Semitism and are ready to help whenever required. We look forward to future collaboration with the government and to ensure that the wellbeing of our community is protected."

On Thursday, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He emphasized the importance of rejecting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the necessity of addressing antisemitism in public. Minister Ulianovschi expressed his favor of the Moldovan authorities and highlighted their dedication to building an inclusive society. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi for his favorable collaboration with the Moldovan WJC.

The foreign minister also noted that the Chisinau Parlament ratified in 2016 a Declaration in support of the report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed by Elie Wiesel. A plan for its implementation was approved by the government in January of 2017.


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 of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the possibility of restitution for Jewish property in Moldova, including cemeteries that require renovation as well as the economic benefits of kosher slaughter, and the possibility of tourism ventures for the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries the minister indicated that he would be willing to assist by launching an initial project that would involve 10 sites in the country.

Also on Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers in Holocaust education and the preservation of memories. The conversation included the development of an Museum of Jewish History, the preservation of Holocaust memorials, and the importance of properly maintaining Jewish cemeteries. Singer thanked Minister Babuc to her support in the areas of education, Holocaust commemoration and in making sure there is a continuous and productive collaboration between the Jewish community and the Ministry.

Singer, Mirilashvili and Bilinkis were also in conversation with Vlad Plahotniuc from the Democratic Party of Moldova for discussions on relationships with the Jewish community as and bilateral relations between the Republic of Moldova and Israel.


https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/on-visit-to-moldova-wjc-ceo-robert-singer-underlines-importance-of-holocaust-preservation-and-adopting-universal-definition-of-antisemitism-8-4-2018 PHOTOGRAPH, from left: Moldovan Jewish Community Board Member Emmanuil Grinshpun Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili, WJC CEO Robert Singer, Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc, EAJC Director General Haim Ben Yaakov. https://www.behance.net/Emmanuilgrinshpun (c), World Jewish Congress

Singer visited with Rabbis of the Jewish communities in Moldova during his visit. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed the most important concerns regarding the practice of religion and services, as for ways to improve Jewish daily living in all aspects.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Moldova is home to about 20,000 Jews. The country was devastated by the Shoah and a brutal civil war in the past, the Moldovan Jewish community today is mostly revived and distributed throughout the country. There is a rise in self-consciousness and pride in the nation and also a return from their ancestral roots by the Jews Moldova. Jewish culture is celebrated in various forms including literature, musical composition and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress - represents the Moldovan Jewish Community. Emmanuil Grinshpun
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