Gershman’s “Besa” travels to Prishtina

PRISHTINA, Oct. 11 – Norman H. Gershman traveling exhibition’s next stop is Kosovo capital, Prishtina. The exhibition by the renowned Jewish photographer has been on display at the Kosovo National Arts Gallery since the beginning of October.
Norman H. Gershman traveled to Muslim Albania and Kosovo to photograph Muslim families that helped rescue and save Jews in World War II. This unique Holocaust message is of brotherhood and compassion for humanity. Norman captured these striking portraits for more than 6 years and as a tribute to the individuals and families that honored the code of BESA, he gives their unique story to the rest of the world.
Due to the book and Gallery exhibitions popularity, a documentary film has been made to reach a broader audience and with dialogue, telling the incredible stories of Muslim families extending their generosity to others in need.
“When I first learned of the WW2 rescue of Jews in Muslim Albania and Kosovo my reaction was visceral. Muslims who saved Jews? I must record this forgotten event with my camera and tell the story through the various family histories I was to meet. As a Jew and a Sufi my spiritual connection with the beauty of Islam and Judaism is seamless. The old adage of a picture is worth a thousand words is manifested in our photographic project,” says Gershman.
“For over 6 years I have been traveling to Muslim Albania and Kosovo documenting and doing portraits of Muslim families that saved Jews in WW2. Although Besa is a traditional Albanian code of honor many Muslim families have incorporated Besa in their religious beliefs and often were inspired by their faith in saving Jews from the Nazis. The rescue of Jews in Albania was a unique experience in Holocaust history as Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler were welcomed not as refugees but as guests.”
Besa is a message to the world of brotherhood and compassion for those in need and unique to the Albanian people. Equally important is the message, through my portraits and stories, of the compassion extended to Jews by Albanian Muslim families during the Holocaust.