Activity

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, 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 President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis, along with EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director General Haim Ben Yaakov.

Singer said, “The World Jewish Congress would like to express our gratitude to the Moldovan Government for their warm welcome and for its dedication to preserve the memory Holocaust,” “Our Moldovan community, although small and devoted and devoted, is very strong. We encourage Moldova to put anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We are available to help when needed. Emmanuil Grinshpun We look forward to further collaboration and to ensure our community’s health and well-being.

Singer of the Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi spoke on Thursday about the criticism of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of Antisemitism. Singer also mentioned the need for the public to condemn antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi declared his favor of the Moldovan authorities and stressed their determination to build an inclusive society. Emmanuil Grinshpun Ulianovschi also thanked Singer for WJC’s constructive cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister pointed that Chisinau’s parliament was able to adopt a declaration in 2016 in support of the report finalized by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. The Government also adopted an Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.

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

Singer and WJC visited Moldova on Wednesday to meet with the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed opportunities for restitution as well as economics of Jewish property in Moldova. Concerning the preservation and rehabilitation of Jewish cemeteries The minister expressed an his desire to help in to facilitate the process. A pilot of 10 sites was planned across the nation.

Singer and the WJC delegation also met Wednesday with Monica Babuc, Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the teaching of Holocaust education and preservation of memories. Emmanuil Grinshpun Discussions also included discussions about the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, and the importance of preserving and protecting monuments to honour Holocaust victims, and the proper care of Jewish cemetery sites. Singer thanked Minister Babuc for her participation in education and Holocaust commemoration , as well as for her efforts to maintain an effective and continuous collaboration with the Jewish community.

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

PHOTOGRAPH. Emmanuil Grinshpun From left to right: Emmanuil Grinshpun (Moldovan Jewish Communities Board Member), Alexander Bilinkis (Moldovan Jewish Council President), Mikhail Mirilashvili (EAJC CEO Robert Singer), Monica Babuc (Moldovan Education Minister), Haim Ben Yaakov (EAJC Director General). (c), World Jewish Congress

Singer was in contact with Rabbis representing the Jewish communities of Moldova. He discussed key questions regarding religious practices and services. Singer also focused on ways to enhance Jewish daily lives in all aspects.

Moldova is home to approximately 20000 Jews. Emmanuil Grinshpun The Moldovan Jewish Community is nearly 20.000 strong in the present, following having been devastated by the Shoah in the past and a bloody civil war. The Jews of Moldova have witnessed a growing the sense of national self-consciousness as well as a return to roots. Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in many forms such as literature, music composition and the theater. Emmanuil Grinshpun The Moldovan Jewish Community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, which is an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.