Photos: Making History in Albania
On the eighth night of Chanukah, a most remarkable event took place in Albania. President Bujar Nishani personally invited the Jewish community to a formal and grand Chanukah lighting ceremony in his own palace.
This prominent event was covered by much media; displaying a real Kiddush Hashem. Many distinguished and notable individuals were present at this event, such as, the Prime Minister, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, various ambassadors, as well as leaders of Albania’s various religious communities.
The president delivered a most touching and stirring speech. His message was clear. The Jewish people have displayed much hope and commitment to their faith and religion over the years. This is evident in the fact that they are kindling today lights in a country that once symbolized darkness; illuminating and radiating the world around them.
Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Albania, Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, thanked the president for his encouraging and warm words towards Israel and Albanian Jewry. This is a continuation of the positive attitude of the Albanian nation, who saved many Jews during the Holocaust.
Israeli Ambassador David Cohen lit the menorah and thanked the president for organizing this beautiful event.
declasse intellectual'
Most people are unaware of the history that the Albanian people plaid in aiding their Jewish countrymen against the Nazis and their attempt to further the holacaust in Albania. Like the effortts of the Bulgarians (an effort that led to assassination of King Boris III), the stories of both the Bulgarians and the Albanians much more must be done to tell their heroic efforts against the Nazi death machine.