Notes

Robert Singer (CEO of WJC) spoke of the importance of preserving the Holocaust and adopt a common definition antisemitism while on an official visit to Moldova.

Chisinau, MOLDOVA - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in the Republic of Moldova with senior ministers of the government and leaders of the local Jewish community, for talks that focused on the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, the security of the Jewish community, and the need to fight the spread of antisemitism across all levels. The WJC group also included 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 said that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government for their gracious welcome and its commitment to protect the memory of Holocaust victims. Our community in Moldova is small but dedicated and solid. We strongly encourage the Republic of Moldova to make an effort to fight anti-Semitism and are ready to help whenever required. We look forward towards future cooperation and to ensuring the community's wellbeing.

Singer of 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 expressed his favor of the Moldovan authorities and emphasized their commitment to building an inclusive society. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi to thank him for his positive cooperation with the Moldovan WJC.

The foreign minister also mentioned that Chisinau's Chisinau Parliament in 2016 adopted an acceptance of the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed by Elie Wiesel, and in January 2017, the government approved an Action Plan on its implementation.


PHOTOGRAPH - A World Jewish Congress delegation with Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis (far right) and WJC CEO Robert Singer, (second left), having a meeting with Tudor Ulianovschi (secondright). (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and the WJC's delegation visited Moldova on Wednesday to meet with the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. The discussions was focused on the preservation and restitution of Jewish property in Moldova. The discussion included cemeteries that require renovation as well as economic opportunities related to kosher meat. Also, the potential for tourism activities for the local Jewish Center. Concerning the issue of conserving Jewish cemeteries, the minister expressed intent to support the process, starting with a pilot program of 10 cemeteries in the country.

Singer and WJC representatives met on Wednesday with Monica Babuc the Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the possibility of training teachers on Holocaust education. The meeting also discussed the possibility of creating a Museum of Jewish History for the Republic of Moldova, the preservation and protection of monuments to Holocaust victims as well as the importance of keeping Jewish cemeteries in a respectful and proper way. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc, for her involvement in the field of education and Holocaust commemoration , as well as in maintaining an effective and continuous collaboration with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, and Bilinkis were also in contact with the chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova Vlad Plahotniuc for talks about relationships with the Jewish Community and bilateral ties of the Republic of Moldova with the State of 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, 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. Singer discussed crucial issues related to religious practice and the services offered. Singer also focused on ways to enhance Jewish everyday lives in all aspects.

Moldova is home for approximately 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community has come back to life following the destruction caused by the Shoah. There has been a widespread development of a national self-consciousness and a returning to their origins by the Jews of Moldova, with Jewish heritage and culture celebrating in a variety of ways, including literature, musical composition and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress - represents the Moldovan Jewish Community.
Homepage: