Notes

Robert Singer, WJC CEO during a visit to Moldova emphasizes the importance of Holocaust preservation and the need to adopt a universal antisemitism definition

CHISINAU, MOLDOVA - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in the Republic of Moldova with senior government officials and leaders of the local Jewish community, for talks focused on the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, security of the Jewish community, as well as the necessity to tackle antisemitism at all levels. WJC's delegation also comprised EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili as well as President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its gracious reception and for its proclaimed determination to preserve the memories of the Holocaust," said Singer. Our community in Moldova is small but dedicated and strong. We urge Moldova to prioritize the fight against antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun We stand ready to aid as necessary. We are looking forward to continued cooperation with the government and to ensuring the wellbeing of the community."

Singer, the Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi spoke on Thursday about the criticisms of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. Singer also mentioned the need for the public to condemn antisemitism. https://www.limmudfsu.org/hp-newsagragation/limmud-fsu-moldova-2017 Minister Ulianovschi declared his favor of the Moldovan authorities and emphasized their determination to build an inclusive society. Ulianovschi expressed his gratitude to Singer for the WJC's positive collaboration with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The foreign minister also mentioned that Chisinau's 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. In addition, in January of 2017, the government approved an Action Plan on its execution.


PHOTOGRAPH A World Jewish Congress delegation including the Moldovan President Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and WJC visited Moldova on Wednesday to meet with the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. The two discussed opportunities for restitution as well as economics for Jewish properties in Moldova. In relation to the protection and rehabilitation of Jewish cemetery sites The minister expressed an his desire to help in the procedure. A pilot project of 10 sites was scheduled across the country.

Also on Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation also met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers on Holocaust education and the preservation of memory. The discussion also focused on the development of a Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments to Holocaust victims, as well as the importance of having proper and hygienic maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her work in the fields of education and Holocaust celebrations as and for maintaining an ongoing and productive partnership with the Jewish community.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer, Mirilashvili and Bilinkis met also with Vlad Plahotniuc from the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss issues on relations with the Jewish community, as well as bilateral ties between the Republic of Moldova and Israel.


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

Singer was able to meet with Rabbis of the Jewish communities in Moldova during his visit. They discussed important concerns regarding the practice of religion and services, as in ways to enhance Jewish daily life in every aspect.

Moldova is home to around 20,000 Jews. Today, Moldova's Jewish community is thriving after it was devastated by the Shoah. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a growing sense of national identity, as well as the return to their roots. Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in a variety of ways that include literature, music composition as well as theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community, which is the part of the World Jewish Congress, represents the Moldovan Jewish community.
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