Albanian example of tolerance provides inspiration for others

By Joana Kosho
During a recent tour of the Holy Land, one of the most famous and the most visited parts of the world, the bus stopped in front of a high wall, fitted with wires at the top and guarded by armed soldiers. The wall separated the Israeli part of Jerusalem from Palestinian one, and the group of tourists were headed to Bethlehem, where over 2,000 years ago the most peaceful and tolerant man in the world was born. It is paradox that now this place, once a symbol of unity and holiness, shows the division, conflict and intolerance between two peoples who can’t have forgotten the values of coexistence.
This is a time when political, financial, ethnic, nationalistic and cultural conflicts are becoming the subject of public debate, national and global media newscasts, and the focus of the relations between states and organizations. As such, each moment that supports the peace, cooperation or friendship, should be promoted.
After the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Albania’s independence, and after the emotional appeals (justified in a festive environment) for national unity, the neighbor states, or at least some of their representatives, reacted sharply, fearing the creation of the Natural Albania, and the consequences that may come as a result, undermining Balkans stability. Instead of marking this greatest national jubilation, many unfortunately showed once again that in the Balkans, political and ethnic divisions persist.
In Northern Kosovo, the newest European state, there are still ongoing disturbances, complicating the relationships and negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo. Other disputes between neighbor countries, like the name of Macedonia, undermine that country’s path toward NATO and the EU. Failure of rigorous implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and the lack of goodwill from politics, complicates the coexistence between Macedonians and Albanians in that country.
This conflictual reality, where territory, nationality, religion, or political affiliation is more important than trust, tolerance, love and human life itself — is met with the the story of an Albanian-American-Jewish woman. Dr. Anna Kohen, during an informal meeting organized by the Albanian-Israel Friendship Association, explained the excellent coexistence of her family of Jewish origin and the Albanians in Vlora during the 1950s. It is also the story of Rexhep Hoxha, treated in the documentary ‘Promise’ presented in the Jewish Film Festival in San Francisco, or the writings and stories of Joseph Jakoel and his daughter Felicita Jakoel for the precious contribution of Albanians for saving the Jews during the Second World War, brings again the focus on the values ??of Albanians, especially their hospitality and keeping oaths.
The event organized by the chairman of the Albanian-Israel Friendship Association, Petrit Zorba, in the framework of the celebrations of 100th anniversary of Albania’s independence, had in focus the identification of examples, life stories, fragments of peaceful and constructive Albanians and Jews relations. The ambassador of Israel in Albania, David Cohen, participant of honor in this special event, described Albanians as “…wonderful and brave people,” as, among all, they have a national hero like Skanderbeg. Dr. Kohen, the President of the organization “Sisters Qiriazi” in New York, known for her contributions in support of Albanians in the U.S., noted the warmth, tolerance and the respect that Albanians have for every foreign friend, but mainly for the Jews.
One witness of the religion and ethnic tolerance in Albania was Herman Bernstein, himself a Jew, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Albania from 1930 to 1933. Bernstein wrote in his letters that:
There is no trace of any discrimination against Jews in Albania because Albania happens to be one of the rare lands in Europe today where religious prejudice and hate do not exist, even though Albanians themselves are divided into three faithsŮ” (The Jewish Daily Bulletin, New York, April 17, 1934)
Many of stories proving the Albanians’ willingness to save foreigners of different nationalities, religions and cultures, are impressive. At a time when every European society and state handed over Jews to the Nazis, no Jew was handed over to the Nazis in Albania, but rather defended under the Albanian oath of honor (besa).
Such stories in this 100th Albanian anniversary bring more pride than state celebrations or enthusiastic political statements. Such examples of tolerance inspire nations to steer away from conflicts. At their best, Albanians do not discriminate against any other nation; Serbs do not hate Albanians, Macedonians do not hate Greeks. With inspirations from stories like that of Jews in Albania, conflicts can be avoided and clashes based on civilizations, religions or ethnicities would not exist.