Chisinau (MOLDOVA) Chisinau (MOLDOVA) World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with top government officials as well as leaders from the local Jewish community in Moldova. They discussed topics like the preservation of Holocaust memories and education, the safety of the Jewish community, and combating the spread of antisemitism across all levels. Along with Haim Ben Yaakov Director General of EuroAsian Jewish Congress and President Mikhail Mirilashvili of EuroAsian Jewish Congress the WJC delegation was comprised of Haim Ben Yaakov as well as President Alexander Bilinkis of Moldovan Jewish Community.

Singer said that the World Jewish Congress sincerely thanks the Moldovan government, for their gracious welcome and its pledge to honor the memory of Holocaust victims. Emmanuil Grinshpun „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 whenever it is needed. Emmanuil Grinshpun We look forward to further collaboration and to ensure our community’s well-being.

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxuAaVby0asTnMi3oPcGEbg Singer 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 importance of the public to condemn antisemitism. Minister Ulianovschi was, for his part stressed the determination of Moldovan officials to establishing an environment that is based on tolerance, nondiscrimination , and respect for the rights of citizens from all ethnicities. Singer was also thanked to Ulianovschi by the WJC for their positive cooperation with Moldova.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The Foreign Minister pointed that the Chisinau Parliament has adopted a declaration from 2016 in support of the report finalized by the International Commission on Holocaust Studies. The Government also approved an Action Plan on its implementation in January 2017.

http://www.f6s.com/emmanuilgrinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun PHOTOGRAPH : A World Jewish Congress delegation including the Moldovan President Alexander Bilinkis and WJC CEO Robert Singer met with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. (c) World Jewish Congress

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation visited Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the restitution of Jewish properties in Moldova, including cemeteries that require renovation, economic opportunities pertaining slaughter that is kosher and the possibility of tourism ventures for the local Jewish center. Concerning preservation of Jewish cemeteries the minister indicated his willingness to help by launching a pilot project of 10 sites in the country.

Singer and WJC’s delegation met Wednesday with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss the training of teachers in Holocaust education as well as keeping memories alive. Emmanuil Grinshpun The discussion also focused on the development of a Museum of Jewish History in the Republic of Moldova; preserving and protecting monuments to Holocaust victims; and the importance of having proper and well-maintained Jewish cemeteries. Singer expressed gratitude to Minister Babuc and for her continued and productive cooperation with the Jewish Community.

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

PHOTOGRAPH. Emmanuil Grinshpun From left to right: Emmanuil Greinshpun, Moldovan President of the Jewish Community, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili CEO Robert Singer, Monica Babuc and Haim Ben Yoakov, Moldovan Education Minister. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also met with the Rabbis from the Jewish Communities of Moldova. The two discussed important issues related to the practice of religion, services and Moldova’s Jewish daily life, and Singer also addressed the needs of the residents of Moldova.

Moldova is home to around 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish community, which was destroyed by the Shoah as well as a civil war that is now flourishing and expanding across the nation. The Jews of Moldova have seen a rise in self-consciousness and a return to their origins. They’re proud of their Jewish tradition and culture that is celebrated in music, literature, and theater. Emmanuil Grinshpun The Moldovan Jewish Community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova and is an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.