Moldovan parliament hosts launch of book on Chisinau ghetto from 1941-1942

Chisinau, 9 February /MOLDPRES/ - The parliament of Moldova today hosted the launch of a book titled ”Ghetoul din Chișinău 1941-1942” (The Chisinau Ghetto 1941-1942), signed by the director of the new Office for International Relations of the Holocaust Memorial Museum from Washington, Paul Shapiro. The event, held at the parliament’s Europe Hall, brought together MPs, diplomats, representatives of the academic environment, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.    

The head of the commission for foreign policy and European integration, moderator of the launch Valentina Buliga said that the Moldovan parliament had adopted a declaration on the acceptance of the Final Report of the International Commission on the Holocaust, chaired by Elie Wiesel. “By the adoption of this Declaration, we proved the political establishment’s capacity to correctly approach and treat both the historical victories and horrible things. A proof in this respect is also the today’s event, through which we make common cause with the author and condemn the events about the ghetto of Chisinau from 1941-1942,” Buliga said.     

Deputy Parliament Speaker Liliana Palihovici welcomed the initiative to present the book at the headquarters of the parliament. “I have managed to read this important historical study for our country, which, unfortunately has not been known for tens of years. This is a book full of important, necessary and useful  historical material for generations, to know documented information on the Jewish community and the mass murder of the latter,” Palihovici noted.  

U.S. Ambassador to Moldova James Pettit said the diplomatic mission was honoured to be partner in the organization of such an event. “This is not only a book, but also a homage to all those who suffered in the wake of the Holocaust,” the diplomat said.  

Author Paul Shapiro, obviously excited, during more than one hour unveiled the work in the Romanian language. The book is a detailed 100-page study about the historical context of anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe, as well as the tragic fate of the 10,000 Jews crowded in a ghetto in the centre of Chisinau. Also, the book comprises 21 black-and-white photos, a map of the ghetto and numerous archive documents, such as orders, lists of persons, etc.    

Subsequently, the lawmakers appreciated the importance of this subject, made comments, put questions and asked for autographs.   

The event was organized by the Moldovan parliament, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, under the patronage of Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu and United States Ambassador James Pettit.