Moldova appreciated for commemoration actions of Holocaust

Chisinau, 09 June /MOLDPRES/ – Moldova has taken commendable measures to implement Action Plan for 2017 – 2019 within education and commemoration of Holocaust. This is what said Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman – in – Office of Italy against anti – Semitism, Rabbi Andrew Baker, ending his three – day visit to Moldova on 08 June.

During his visit, Rabbi Baker met with representatives of Government, Parliament and Jewish community to discuss progress of implementation of nominated Plan, adopted by Government in Chisinau in May 2017.

"I appreciate the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research (MECC) for initiative to revise curriculum of school subject history to accurately reflect Holocaust in local context. I am glad to see that OSCE Mission to Moldova will offer ministry assistance of experts for the purpose. A better understanding of history, including Holocaust, will promote culture of tolerance and inclusion among younger generation in Moldova," said Rabbi Baker.

Also, rabbi welcomed decision of authorities to respect their commitment to establish a Jewish History Museum in Chisinau, in close cooperation with the Jewish community. At the same time, Rabbi Baker highlighted importance of punishing hate crimes and Holocaust denial, and encouraged adoption of legislation that would address issue clearly.

The visit of Rabbi Andrew Baker to Moldova underlines priority given by Italian Presidency to fight against anti – Semitism. The visit also comes as a result of ongoing efforts of OSCE Mission in Chisinau and OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to help authorities raise awareness and understanding of Holocaust in Moldova and promote greater cohesion in society. The mission also facilitated interaction of representatives of state institutions in Moldova and International Alliance for Holocaust Memorial, to which Moldova joined as an observer in 2014.

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor A. Raileanu)