Albanian assembly holds special session to remember citizens’ actions during the Holocaust

A special parliamentary session was held on Tuesday, January 29th by the speaker of Albanian parliament, Jozefina Topalli, in honor of the victims of the Holocaust. At the parliament, Topalli received Warren Miller, Chairman of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of American Heritage Abroad. Speaker Topalli said that for Albania, the remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust is an obligation as well as a reminder that for all Albanians there was a historical dignity in taking Jews into their homes, and not turning them in for arrest. She noted that Albania has become the only European example of a country protecting all of its Jewish citizens. Mr. Miler spoke about what he called the message of Albania’s rare courage, displayed while occupied by enemy troops and, through an unorganized way, displayed a unique humanism by defending the Jews who were threatened with extermination. “Everything Albanians did merits a great gratitude, and this is an excellent symbol and extraordinary value of your country, ” Mr. Miller said.
“We are proud and honored with what Albanians displayed by defending the Jews, something that indicates more, it speaks for the essence of Albanian character, and for this purpose we have called the session, based on our spiritual code, “N롢es롴롳hqiptarit. Albanian history is difficult, but it has many moments for which we feel proud.” the Speaker of the parliament said. US Ambassador Withers, for his part, stressed what Albanians did for the Jews should be seen worldwide. “Quick improvement of Albania is another accomplishment for which you should feel proud,” he said.