Moldova Sees Growth in Jewish Population, ARI Says

There is a tendency of return of the Jewish population in Moldova – Veaceslav Ryabchinsky

There is a positive trend in the number of the Jewish population in Moldova, including the tendency of citizens returning to the country. This was stated by the Director of the Agency for Interethnic Relations, Veaceslav Ryabchinsky, during an official meeting with Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for Combating Anti-Semitism.

According to Riabcinschi, Moldova has no significant manifestations of anti-Semitism in the public space and the social climate “shows a steady improvement in inter-ethnic cohesion”.

For his part, the OSCE representative noted the country’s progress in combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance.

Special attention during the talks was paid to the preservation of historical heritage. The sides discussed the need to restore Jewish cemeteries, with Baker emphasizing their important educational role and significance for the study of common history.

It was also announced that the agency intends to start mapping the Jewish cultural heritage in Moldova in order to better reflect the Jewish community’s contribution to the development of the country and to promote the common cultural heritage.

The Agency for Interethnic Relations actively cooperates with five accredited Jewish public organizations, supporting projects such as Holocaust Remembrance Week and European Days of Jewish Culture. Educational programs are implemented in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat, Taraclia and Tiraspol.