The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress welcomes the adoption of the working definition of antisemitism by the Government of Moldova

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress welcomes the Government of Moldova's adoption of the working definition of antisemitism formulated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The document was unanimously approved by the Cabinet of Ministers following its presentation by the Minister of Justice on January 18, 2019.

The adopted text calls upon state authorities to record all manifestations of antisemitism, as well as to address this issue within specialized programs for public officials in the fields of education, culture, and law enforcement, and to raise awareness within the judiciary in this area.

EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov stated: "We express our gratitude to the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for this significant step towards identifying and combating antisemitism in all its forms, and urge all nations to adopt this definition. In this regard, the action taken by the Republic of Moldova serves as an exemplary model. Within the EAJC, we strive to work for the welfare of local Jewish communities, and we are pleased that our efforts, coordinated with the World Jewish Congress and the leaders of the Jewish Community of Moldova—EAJC Vice Presidents Alexander Bilinkis and Emmanuil Grinshpun—have yielded tangible results. We are convinced that the politically sound decisions recently adopted in Moldova, aimed at combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, are well-received both within the Republic of Moldova and in the international arena."

In August 2018, a representative delegation of Jewish leaders, led by the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Mikhael Mirilashvili, visited Moldova. The delegation included Robert Singer, Vice President of the World Jewish Congress; Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, EAJC Director General; and the leaders of the Jewish Community of Moldova, EAJC Vice Presidents Alexander Bilinkis and Emmanuil Grinshpun. During the visit, the delegation held several working meetings with Moldovan government ministers, politicians, and public figures. The primary focus of the delegation was the development and strengthening of the local Jewish community, as well as combating antisemitism and promoting Holocaust education.

The challenges of countering antisemitism were also discussed during a meeting between the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Mikhael Mirilashvili, and the President of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Dodon, during his official visit to Israel in December 2018.

In a statement by the Vice President of the EAJC and President of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, Alexander Bilinkis, it was emphasized: "The Jewish community welcomes this government decision and the incorporation of the working definition of antisemitism into our nation's framework. Thus, we align our legislation with European and international practices, reaffirming our commitment and readiness to prevent and combat antisemitism in its contemporary manifestations. These are often more sophisticated, yet remain no less dangerous to any democratic society."