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CHISINAU – World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in Moldova this week, along with senior officials from the government as well as the leaders of local Jewish communities. They debated issues like security for the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory as well as education and antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun The WJC delegation 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 its gracious reception and its pledge to preserve the memory of Holocaust victims. Emmanuil Grinshpun “Our Moldovan community is small but it is committed and solid. We urge Moldova to prioritize the fight against antisemitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun We will be there to help as necessary. We look forward for future cooperation with government and to make sure that our community is well-being is assured.

The following day, Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova’s Foreign Minister) and emphasized the importance to adopt a definition of antisemitism as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Singer also spoke out on the importance that public condemnations be made of anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi spoke out in support of the Moldovan authorities and stressed their dedication to building an inclusive society. Ulianovschi also thanked Singer for WJC’s positive collaboration with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister pointed out that Chisinau’s Parliament has adopted a declaration from 2016 in support of the report finalized by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. The government also adopted the Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.

PHOTOGRAPH Photograph of 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). (c) World Jewish Congress

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the possibility of restitution for Jewish properties in Moldova, including cemeteries in need of refurbishment as well as the economic benefits of slaughter that is kosher and the potential of tourist endeavors that could benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries the minister indicated that he would be willing to assist in the beginning with an initial project that would involve 10 cemeteries in the country.

Singer and Singer and the WJC delegation also had a meeting Wednesday with Monica Babuc, Moldovan Education Minister, to discuss teaching Holocaust education and the preservation of memory. The discussion also focused on the establishment of a Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments dedicated to Holocaust victims, as well as the importance of having proper and dignified maintenance Jewish cemeteries. Singer thanked Minister Babuc for her dedication and commitment to both fields of education and Holocaust celebrations, as well as in ensuring an ongoing and fruitful collaboration with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, and Bilinkis have also met with the chairman of Democratic Party of Moldova Vlad Plahotniuc to discuss relationships with the Jewish Community as well as bilateral ties between the Republic of Moldova with the State of Israel.

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

While in Moldova, Singer also met with the rabbis of the Jewish communities of Moldova, discussing key issues involving religious practice and services in the country, while focusing on ways to enhance Jewish everyday life in all aspects.

Moldova is home to 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community, which was devastated by the Shoah as well as an unrest, is now flourishing and expanding across the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun There is a significant development of a national self consciousness and a return of their ancestral roots through the Jews in Moldova. Jewish identity and culture are celebrated in a variety of ways, including literature and musical composition. The Moldovan Jewish Community, which is the part of the World Jewish Congress, represents the Moldovan Jewish community. Emmanuil Grinshpun