Skip to main content

New allies

Gideon Sa'ar delivers on promise: Israel opens embassy in Moldova 

Foreign Minister Sa’ar follows through on December pledge, strengthening Israel-Moldova ties.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with his Moldovan counterpart, Mihai Popsoi, at the opening of the Israeli embassy in Moldova
Photo: SHLOMI AMSALEM/GPO

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Tuesday morning the official opening of Israel’s embassy in Moldova, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties.

"I am proud that the first embassy I opened as Foreign Minister is the one in Moldova," Sa’ar declared. "This is a historic milestone and an important step in deepening our relations."

Sa’ar praised Moldova for standing firmly with Israel following Hamas’ October 7 attack, which he described as "the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust." He acknowledged Moldova’s strong condemnation of Hamas and its unequivocal support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

At the embassy’s opening, Sa’ar met with Moldovan Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi for a private discussion on bilateral relations.

Response to Ireland’s Embassy Closure

Sa’ar had first announced plans for the embassy in late December, positioning it as a direct response to Ireland’s closure of its Israeli embassy. He has previously criticized Ireland’s stance toward Israel, linking it to the country’s controversial history with antisemitism.

He noted Moldova’s consistent support for Israel in international forums, highlighting that "Moldova ranked 22nd in voting support for Israel and repeatedly asked why we hadn’t opened an embassy there."

Historical and Strategic Significance

During his speech, Sa’ar referenced Moldova’s Jewish history, particularly the Kishinev pogrom of 1903, where dozens of Jews were murdered under Russian imperial rule.

"The name Chisinau is etched in Jewish memory," he said. "We have not forgotten the pogroms of 1903, nor what happened here during the Holocaust. We will never forget. Because we lacked the ability to defend ourselves, the Jewish people are far smaller than they could have been."

Sa’ar emphasized that the Jewish people have since learned the lessons of history, reaffirming that "the Jewish people must have the right and ability to defend themselves."

He concluded by praising Moldova’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance, stating, "We appreciate Moldova’s recognition of this painful chapter in our history and its efforts to ensure these lessons are never forgotten."


Loading comments...