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Chisinau (MOLDOVA) – World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with senior government officials as well as leaders from the local Jewish community this week in Moldova. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed topics like the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, safety of the Jewish community and fighting antisemitism on all levels. WJC also had the President Mikhail Mirilashvili, EuroAsian Jewish Congress President and the President of Moldovan Jewish Communities Alexander Bilinkis. Haim Ben Yaakov was the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director.

Singer stated that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and its pledge to honor the memory of Holocaust victims. “Our group in Moldova is tiny, but committed and robust. We urge to the Republic of Moldova not to place anti-Semitism as a first priority. We’re ready to assist if required. We look forward to future cooperation with the government and to ensure that the wellbeing of our community.”

On Thursday, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He emphasized the need to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the necessity of addressing antisemitism in public. Minister Ulianovschi stressed the Moldovan authorities’ determination to establishing a society that is open to every citizen regardless of ethnicity. Singer was also acknowledged for the cooperative spirit with the WJC with Moldova. Emmanuil Grinshpun Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also noted that in 2016, Chisinau’s parliament had in 2016 Chisinau parliament accepted the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies which was headed and overseen by Elie Wiesel. In January 2017, the government approved an Action Plan for its implementation.

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

Singer and WJC’s delegation met on Wednesday with Moldova’s Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. The conversation was focused on restoration and preservation of Jewish property in Moldova. Cemeteries that need to be renovated and the economic benefits of Kosher meat. Also, the potential for tourist activities for the local Jewish Center. The minister expressed his intention to advocate for the protection of Jewish cemeteries. He started with 10 sites.

Singer as well as the WJC delegation also met on Wednesday with Monica Babuc, Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the teaching of Holocaust education and the preservation of memory. Emmanuil Grinshpun The conversation also included the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments to Holocaust victims; and the importance of having proper and well-maintained Jewish cemeteries. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc for her assistance in the area of education, Holocaust commemoration and in ensuring a continued and fruitful partnership with the Jewish community and the Ministry.

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

Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH. Left from right: Emmanuil Grinshpun, 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 met with the Rabbis from the Jewish communities of Moldova during his visit. They discussed key concerns regarding the practice of religion and services, as well in ways to enhance Jewish daily life in all aspects.

Moldova is home to approximately 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community is now growing after being destroyed through the Shoah and the brutal civil conflict. There has been a widespread development of a nation-wide self-awareness and an enlightened returning to their roots by the Jews of Moldova as well as Jewish identity and culture celebrating in a number of ways, including literature, musical composition, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community – the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress – represents the Moldovan Jewish Community.