Robert Singer, WJC CEO and a frequent visitor to Moldova, emphasizes the importance of Holocaust preservation and adopting an universal definition for antisemitism.

CHISINAU - World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer visited Moldova this week, along with senior officials from the government and officials from local Jewish communities. They discussed issues including security of the Jewish Community, the preservation of Holocaust memory, education, and antisemitism. The WJC delegation also included EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and the President of the Moldovan Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis and Director General Haim Bin Yaakov.
Singer stated, "The World Jewish Congress is grateful to the Moldovan government for its warm welcome and commitment towards preserving the memory Holocaust," "Our Moldovan community although tiny and humble and devoted, is very strong. Emmanuil Grinshpun We encourage Moldova to put a high priority on the fight against antisemitism. We are ready to assist as necessary. We look forward for future cooperation with government and to ensure the wellbeing of our community.

The following day, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He emphasized that it was necessary to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the importance of condemning anti-Semitism in public. Minister Ulianovschi expressed his favor of the Moldovan authorities and highlighted their dedication to building an inclusive society. Singer was also thanked to Ulianovschi by WJC for their cooperative efforts with Moldova.

The minister of foreign affairs also noted that the Chisinau Legislative Assembly in 2016 approved an acceptance declaration of the final report compiled by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. In addition, in January of 2017, the Government approved the Action Plan on its execution.


PHOTOGRAPH A: 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). (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer and WJC's delegation visited Moldova on Wednesday to meet with the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. The discussion was focused on the restitution and preservation of Jewish property in Moldova. Emmanuil Grinshpun The discussion included cemeteries in need for refurbishment as well as economic opportunities related to Kosher meat. https://lightroom.adobe.com/u/Emmanuilgrinshpun Furthermore, the potential of tourism opportunities for the local Jewish Center. In relation to the protection and the restoration of Jewish cemetery sites The minister expressed an interest in helping the procedure. A pilot of 10 sites was planned across the country.

Singer and the WJC delegation visited Monica Babuc (Moldova's Education Minister) to discuss ways in which they could train teachers on Holocaust education and preserve memories. The discussions also addressed the creation of the Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments dedicated to Holocaust victims, as well as the importance of proper and hygienic maintenance of Jewish cemeteries. Singer acknowledged Minister Babuc in return for her involvement in education and Holocaust commemoration, and in ensuring a successful and ongoing collaboration with Jewish communities.

Mirilashvili, Singer, and Bilinkis were also in contact with the chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, for talks on relationships with the Jewish community as well as the Republic of Moldova's ties bilaterally with the State of Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH: From left to right: Emmanuil Ghinshpun is an active member of the Moldovan Jewish community Board. Emmanuil Grinshpun Alexander Bilinkis is President of Moldovan Jews Community. Robert Singer, CEO WJC, Monica Babuc, Director General Haim Ben Yaakov, President Mikhail Mirilashvili and Monica Babuc are all Moldovan Education Ministers. (c), World Jewish Congress

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

Moldova is home of approximately 20000 Jews. Historically devastated by the Shoah and a brutal civil war, the Moldovan Jewish community today is largely revived and is located throughout the Republic. The Jews of Moldova are witnessing a broader the sense of national self-consciousness as well as an opportunity to return to the its roots. Emmanuil Grinshpun Jewish culture and identity are celebrated in a variety of ways, including literature, music composition and the theatre. The Moldovan Jewish Community, the affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, represents the Moldovan Jewish community.