The 12th-grade history textbook History of Romanians and Universal History does not accurately reflect the crimes against humanity committed in Bessarabia and Transnistria, violating the 2016 Parliamentary Declaration. This textbook not only misinforms students but also breaches the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and international commitments. Representatives of the Jewish Community of Moldova have urged the Ministry of Education and Research to withdraw the textbook and ensure that all educational materials adhere to historical truth and the legal framework of the country.

In a press conference held at IPN, Aliona Grossu, director of the Jewish Community of Moldova, stated that in 2016, the Moldovan Parliament adopted a declaration recognizing the conclusions of the Final Report issued by the International Commission chaired by Elie Wiesel. Legislative amendments were made, categorically prohibiting Holocaust denial, minimization, or the glorification of Nazis.

“The memory of the Holocaust is non-negotiable. Any attempt to distort history must be firmly rejected, and as a society, we have a moral and legal duty to ensure that the lessons of the past are taught correctly to future generations”, said Aliona Grossu.

According to Grossu, in the request sent to the Ministry of Education and the special representative for memory policies and combating antisemitism in Moldova, the involvement of the Elie Wiesel Institute was proposed for the review of the textbook. The institute could later provide recommendations for the content, being one of the primary institutions that should be consulted when developing quality educational materials for students.

Alexander Bilinkis, president of the Jewish Community of Moldova, stated that the textbook has sparked numerous reactions from activists and politicians once its content became known. However, the community chose to speak publicly only after obtaining an analysis from international institutions.

When asked about the statement made by Education Minister Dan Perciun, Alexander Bilinkis remarked that it seemed more like a response to their announced press conference. While he welcomed the intention to conduct a review, Bilinkis highlighted that the Jewish Community had already requested an international expert assessment.

Representatives of the Jewish Community believe that while the opinion of experts from Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Center, is highly valued, it is also essential to involve the National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania Elie Wiesel for expert evaluation.

Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to individuals who consider themselves affected by the news based on the statements made during this press conference, including by facilitating another press conference under similar conditions.