On visit to Moldova, WJC CEO Robert Singer underlines importance of Holocaust preservation and adopting universal definition of antisemitism

CHISINAU, MOLDOVA – World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met this week in the Republic of Moldova with senior government ministers and leaders of the local Jewish community, for talks focused on the preservation of Holocaust memory and education, security of the Jewish community, and the need to fight antisemitism on 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.

"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its gracious welcome and its expressed commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust," said Singer. "Our community in Moldova is small, but dedicated and strong. We strongly urge the Republic of Moldova to make a priority of fighting anti-Semitism and stand ready to assist as needed. We look forward to future cooperation with the government and to ensuring that the well-being of our community."

In talks with Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi on Thursday, Singer underlined the critical nature of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and spoke also of the importance of issue public condemnations of anti-Semitism. Minister Ulianovschi emphasized on his part the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to building a society in the spirit of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for the rights of citizens of all ethnic groups.  Ulianovschi also thanked Singer for the WJC’s positive cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.

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


PHOTOGRAPH: The World Jewish Congress delegation, including 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

On Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici to discuss the restitution of Jewish property in Moldova, including cemeteries in need of refurbishment, economic opportunities pertaining kosher slaughter, and the potential of tourist endeavors for the local Jewish center. Regarding the matter of preserving Jewish cemeteries, the minister expressed intention to assist in the process, beginning with an initial pilot of 10 sites across the country.

Also Wednesday, Singer and the WJC delegation met with Moldovan Education Minister Monica Babuc to discuss training teachers on Holocaust education and preservation of memory. The discussion also focused on the creation of a 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 dignified maintenance Jewish cemeteries. Singer thanked Minister Babuc for her attention and involvement both in the fields of education and Holocaust commemoration, as well as in ensuring an ongoing and fruitful collaboration with the Jewish community.

Mirilashvili, Singer, and Bilinkis also met with the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, for talks on relations with the Jewish community and the Republic of Moldova's bilateral ties with the State of Israel.


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

During his visit, Singer also met with the rabbis of the Jewish communities of Moldova, discussing key issues involving religious practice and services in the country, while focusing on ways to further improve Jewish daily life in all aspects.

Moldova is home to about 20,000 Jews. Historically devastated by the Shoah and a brutal civil war, the Moldovan Jewish community today is largely revived and is spread throughout the republic. There has been a widespread development of a national self-consciousness and a return to their roots by the Jews of Moldova, with Jewish identity and culture being celebrated in a number of forms – including literature, musical composition, and theater.  The Moldovan Jewish community is represented by the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova – the Moldovan affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.