Gideon Sa'ar at Kishinev: Never Again!

Following his visit to Ukraine yesterday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with officials and members of the Jewish community in Moldova today (Thursday).

Here is his statement:

"I met today with my friend Mihai Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova, and with the President of Moldova's Parliament, Igor Grosu. In both meetings, I requested that Moldova act to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

"In the meetings we discussed continuing to strengthen relations between the countries. Bilateral visits by the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Tourism are expected here soon, along with the signing of memorandums of understanding in both these areas. We also agreed to continue advancing additional lines of cooperation - from economy to security.

"We also spoke about arrangements that would allow Uman pilgrims to cross into Ukrainian territory through Moldova before Rosh Hashanah.

"We noted during the visit and at the event with the Jewish community the anniversary of the establishment of the Kishinev Ghetto, which falls today. My grandfather David of blessed memory was born in Kishinev, and two of his sisters were murdered there during those dark days. In Kishinev, defenseless Jews were murdered in pogroms at the beginning of the 20th century and in its middle during the Holocaust. As Foreign Minister of the sovereign State of Israel, which realizes the Jewish people's right to defend itself, my participation held special emotional significance for me.

"In the meeting in Kishinev with leaders of the Jewish community, I promised that we will keep the sacred oath and act in its light: Never again!"