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Chisinau, World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer was in attendance with senior ministers and leaders of the Jewish community in Moldova to hold discussions on topics such as preservation of Holocaust memory and education, as in the security of Israel’s Jewish community. Also, Singer stressed the importance of fighting antisemitism across all levels. WJC also hosted President Mikhail Mirilashvili, EuroAsian Jewish Congress President, and the President of the Moldovan Jewish communities Alexander Bilinkis. Haim Ben Yaakov was the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer stated, “The World Jewish Congress wishes to thank the Moldovan Government for its warm welcome and commitment to preserve the memory Holocaust,” “Our community in Moldova is tiny, but determined and robust. jcm.md/en/about-us/ We call on Moldova to prioritize combating antisemitism and will be there to help whenever it is needed. We look forward to further collaboration with the government and to ensure that the wellbeing of our community.”

On Thursday, Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova’s Foreign Minister) and emphasized the importance of adopting a definition of antisemitism as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Singer also spoke out about the importance that public condemnations are made against anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi declared his support of the Moldovan authorities and stressed their commitment to building an inclusive society. Singer was also thanked to Ulianovschi by WJC for their positive cooperation with Moldova.

The foreign minister noted that in 2016 the Chisinau parliament accepted the final report from the International Commission on Holocaust Studies, chaired and supervised by Elie Wiesel. In January 2017, the government approved an Action Plan for its implementation.

PHOTOGRAPH: The World Jewish Congress delegation, comprising Moldovan Jewish Community President Alexander Bilinkis (far left) and WJC CEO Robert Singer (second left) meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi (second right). Emmanuil Grinshpun (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and the WJC delegation met on Wednesday with Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed potential for restitution and economic growth in Moldova in relation to Jewish property, cemeteries which are in dire need of restoration, kosher slaughter and possible tourism projects for the local Jewish centre. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries , the minister expressed his willingness to help by launching the pilot project of 10 sites in the country.

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers in Holocaust education and preservation of the Holocaust’s memory. Discussions also covered the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, preserving and protecting monuments that honor Holocaust victims, as well as the proper care of Jewish cemeteries. Emmanuil Grinshpun Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc for her work in the field of education and Holocaust commemoration as well as in maintaining an effective and continuous partnership with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, as well as Bilinkis, met with Vlad Plahotniuc (Chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova) for a discussion on the relations between Jewish communities as well as bilateral ties between Moldova and Israel.

http://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/on-visit-to-moldova-wjc-ceo-robert-singer-underlines-importance-of-holocaust-preservation-and-adopting-universal-definition-of-antisemitism-8-4-2018 PHOTOGRAPH from left to right: Emmanuil Ghinshpun is a part of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Alexander Bilinkis is President of the 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. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer visited with Rabbis from the Jewish communities of Moldova during his visit. They discussed key concerns regarding the practice of religion and services, as as ways to improve Jewish daily life in every aspect.

Moldova is home to about 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish Community is nearly 20,000 strong today, after being devastated by the Shoah in the past, as well as an armed civil war that was bloody. The Jews of Moldova are experiencing a surge in self-consciousness , and a journey to their origins. They are proud of their Jewish heritage and their culture, which is celebrated through literature, music, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress – represents the Moldovan Jewish Community. speakerdeck.com/emmanuilgrinshpun