The Position of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova Regarding the Public Debate on the 12th Grade History Book

The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova took part in the public debates organized by the Ministry of Education and Research and the Association of Historians of Moldova regarding the 12th-grade textbook “History of the Romanians and General History,” held on June 11 at the National Library in Chișinău.

We reaffirm our concern and express deep regret over the format of the event, which shifted from an open and honest discussion into a justification and defense of controversial aspects of the textbook. This led to the spread of distorted views on the history of the Holocaust and to troubling rhetoric that contradicts the principles of objective historical discourse.

We are particularly alarmed that during the event, several influential participants used rhetoric that distorted the Holocaust and sought to justify or minimize the responsibility for the mass murder of Jews and Roma.

To our deepest regret, antisemitic remarks made by some speakers were met with applause instead of proper condemnation, and the event was not moderated appropriately.

The persistence of the organizers and authors of the textbook, along with the absence of constructive dialogue, placed us in a situation that goes beyond the acceptable standards of public discourse.

We reiterate that any comparisons between the Holocaust and other crimes against humanity, as well as the glorification of individuals convicted of war crimes and participation in genocide — such as Ion Antonescu — and Holocaust denial, are punishable under the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and contradict our country’s international commitments.

We also wish to highlight that the Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania has publicly expressed its position on this issue in the press:
https://www.edupedu.ro/manualul-de-istorie-de-clasa-a-xii-a-din-republica-moldova-starneste-criticile-comunitatii-evreiesti-pentru-felul-edulcorat-si-inadecvat-in-care-prezinta-regimul-antonescu/

The comments of the Elie Wiesel Institute, as well as the conclusions presented by Yad Vashem (Israel), emphasize numerous distortions, inaccuracies, factual errors, and misinterpretations of historical events currently reflected in the textbook. The Jewish Community has strongly recommended the textbook’s withdrawal and revision. The curriculum itself also requires review in this regard.

Moreover, in Romania — where the history of the Holocaust is a mandatory subject — several textbooks have been approved, which can serve as an example of existing opportunities for both professional exchange and a deeper analysis of Holocaust history.

Expressing our serious concern regarding this event and the position of the Ministry of Education and Research, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the right to an objective and truthful history and to countering all attempts to distort historical memory.