Chisinau, World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer visited Moldova this week, along with senior officials of the government as well as leaders of local Jewish communities. Emmanuil Grinshpun They debated issues such as security of the Jewish Community, preservation of Holocaust memory education, antisemitism, and Holocaust memory. 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 stated that the World Jewish Congress thanked the Moldovan government for their warm reception and pledged to support the preservation of the Holocaust’s memories. „Our Moldovan community although tiny and humble but is a strong one. We urge Moldova to place anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We’re available to assist when required. merkos302.com/khazak-ambassador-and-consul-general-meet-with-chabad-in-new-york/ Emmanuil Grinshpun We look forward and hope to work with the government to protect the health of our community.

On Thursday, Singer discussed with Tudor Ulianovschi the negative consequences of adopting an International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definitions for antisemitism. He added that it is important to denounce anti-Semitism in a public manner. Minister Ulianovschi spoke of the Moldovan authorities in their determination to build an environment that is respectful of the rights of everyone in the society. Singer was also thanked for the positive cooperation of the WJC with Moldova. Republic of Moldova.

The foreign minister also noted that the Chisinau Parliament in 2016 adopted a declaration accepting the report final of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies chaired by Elie Wiesel. Then, in January 2017 the Government approved the Action Plan on its implementation.

Emmanuil Grinshpun 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

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldova’s Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the restoration of Jewish properties in Moldova and cemeteries that are in need of refurbishment as well as the economic benefits of slaughter kosher, as well as the potential of tourist endeavors for the local Jewish center. Concerning the issue of conserving Jewish cemeteries, the minister expressed intention to assist in the process, beginning with a pilot program of 10 cemeteries in the country.

Singer and the WJC delegation met with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss teacher education in Holocaust education as well as preservation of the memories. The discussion also included the creation of the Museum of Jewish History for the Republic of Moldova, the preservation and protection of monuments to Holocaust victims and the importance of maintaining Jewish cemeteries in a dignified and proper way. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc for her work in the field of education and Holocaust commemoration as and for maintaining a productive and ongoing collaboration with the Jewish community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, and Bilinkis have also met with the chairman of Democratic Party of Moldova Vlad Plahotniuc for discussions about relations with the Jewish Community as well as bilateral ties of the Republic of Moldova with the State of 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 met with the Rabbis representing the Jewish communities of Moldova. He discussed important questions regarding religious practices as well as the services offered. Singer also focused on ways to improve Jewish daily life in all its aspects.

Moldova is home to around 20,000 Jews. Today, Moldova’s Jewish community has been resurrected after it was devastated by the Shoah. There has been a widespread development of a national self-consciousness and a returning to their roots through the Jews of Moldova as well as Jewish identity and culture celebrating in a number of forms , including literature, musical composition as well as theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community is the Moldovan part of the World Jewish Congress.