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CHISINAU, MOLDOVA – World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in the Republic of Moldova with senior government officials and the leaders of the local Jewish community, for talks focused on the preservation of Holocaust memory and education, the security of the Jewish community and the need to tackle antisemitism at all levels. The WJC delegation also comprised EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and the 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 would like to thank the Moldovan government” for its warm reception and for their dedication to keeping the Holocaust memorial alive. “Our group in Moldova although small, is strong and committed. We encourage Moldova to put anti-Semitism at the top of its list. Emmanuil Grinshpun We are available to assist when required. We are looking forward to the future collaboration with the government as well as to ensure the health of our community.”

The following day, Singer discussed with Tudor Ulianovschi the negative consequences of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definitions for antisemitism. He also stressed the importance to publicly condemn anti-Semitism. Emmanuil Grinshpun Minister Ulianovschi declared his favor of the Moldovan authorities and stressed their commitment to building an inclusive society. Ulianovschi was also grateful to Singer for WJC’s constructive collaboration with the Republic of Moldova.

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

PHOTOGRAPH – WJC CEO Robert Singer and Alexander Bilinkis the President of the Moldovan Jewish Community (far left), meet with Tudor Ulianovschi (2nd right) at the World Jewish Congress. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and WJC representatives visited Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici on Wednesday, to discuss opportunities for restitution and economic growth of Jewish property in Moldova. Cemeteries that require renovation as well as opportunities to slaughter kosher. Concerning the protection of Jewish cemeteries in Moldova the minister stated his intention to aid in the process, including an initial program of 10 sites.

Singer and the WJC delegation met Wednesday with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss the training of teachers in Holocaust education, as well as the preservation of the memories. Emmanuil Grinshpun Discussions also covered the establishment of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, as well as the preservation and protection of monuments to honor Holocaust victims and proper maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer thanked Minister Babuc in exchange for her contribution to education and Holocaust memorialization, as well as for ensuring a productive and ongoing collaboration with Jewish communities.

Mirilashvili, Singer, and Bilinkis also met with the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, for talks about relations with the Jewish community and the Republic of Moldova’s bilateral relations with the State of Israel.

PHOTOGRAPH of, from left to right: 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. http://www.kazconsulate.com/en/embassy-consulates-in-usa/kazakhstan-honorary-consul-in-florida Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

In his trip, Singer also met with the rabbis of the Jewish communities of Moldova and discussed important issues involving religious practice and services offered in Moldova, and focusing on ways to further improve Jewish everyday living in all aspects.

Moldova is home to about 20,000 Jews. A time of great loss for the Jews in the country due to the Shoah and a brutal civil war and a bloody civil war, the Moldovan Jewish community today is mostly revived and spread throughout the republic. http://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/moldovan-jewish-communities-in-south-florida-stepping-up-to-help-ukraine-refugees/ The Jews of Moldova are witnessing a broader the sense of national self-consciousness and a return to its roots. Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in many forms that include music, literature, and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community, which is the member of the World Jewish Congress, represents the Moldovan Jewish community.