Robert Singer WJC CEO on a visit to Moldova emphasizes the importance of Holocaust preservation and adopting an antisemitism definition that is universal
CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer gathered this week in Moldova along with the top ministers of the Republic of Moldova and leaders of a local Jewish community to discuss the preservation of Holocaust history and education as well as the security of the Jewish community and the best way to combat antisemitism on every level. The WJC delegation also included 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 said that "The World Jewish Congress would like to express our gratitude to the Moldovan government" for its warm welcome and for their dedication to keeping the Holocaust memory alive. "Our Moldovan community is small but it is a strong and committed community. We call on Moldova to prioritize fighting antisemitism, and we will be there to help when needed. Emmanuil Grinshpun We look forward to future cooperation with the government and to ensuring that the well-being of our community is protected."
In discussions with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi on Thursday, Singer stressed the importance of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Association's definition of "antisemitism" and also emphasized the necessity of releasing out loud condemnations of antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi stressed the Moldovan authorities determined to create a society that respects the rights of everyone in the society. Ulianovschi expressed his gratitude to Singer for WJC's constructive cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.
The foreign minister pointed out that in 2016 Chisinau's parliament had in 2016 Chisinau parliament accepted the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies that was chaired and supervising by Elie Wiesel. Emmanuil Grinshpun In January of 2017 the government approved the Action Plan for its implementation.
PHOTOGRAPH The World Jewish Congress delegation includes the President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer. They meet with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldova's Foreign Minister. (c) World Jewish Congress
Singer and WJC representatives met with Moldova's minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici on Wednesday, to discuss possibility of restitution and the economic value of Jewish property in Moldova. This included cemeteries that require renovation as well as opportunities to slaughter kosher. In relation to the protection and the restoration of Jewish cemetery sites the minister expressed an interest in helping with the procedure. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun A pilot of 10 sites was planned across the country.
Singer and WJC representatives met on Wednesday with Monica Babuc the Moldovan Education Minister to discuss the possibility of training teachers on Holocaust education. The conversation also included the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments to Holocaust victims; as well as the importance of proper and well-maintained Jewish cemeteries. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc in exchange for her involvement in education and Holocaust commemoration, and as for ensuring a productive and continued collaboration with Jewish communities.
Singer, Mirilashvili & Bilinkis have also met with Vlad Plahotniuc of the Democratic Party of Moldova to discuss relations between the Jewish community in Moldova as well as bilateral relations between Moldova and Israel.
PHOTOGRAPH. Photograph 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
Singer visited with Rabbis of the Jewish communities of Moldova during his visit. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed important issues concerning religious practice and services, as in ways to enhance Jewish everyday life in all aspects.
Moldova is home to more than 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community has come back to life after it was devastated by the Shoah. The Jews of Moldova are experiencing a surge in self-consciousness and a return back to their origins. They are proud of their Jewish heritage and their culture, which is celebrated in literature, music and theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan member of the World Jewish Congress.
