Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama delivered a speech at the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) during his official visit to Israel, highlighting the historic bond between the Albanian and Jewish peoples and Albania’s legacy of protecting Jews during World War II.
In his address, Rama recalled Albania’s role in sheltering Jewish refugees, emphasizing that this solidarity was rooted in deeply held moral values rather than political calculation.
“There is a history that connects our two peoples. Our shared heritage dates back centuries, to the time when Jewish refugees sought shelter on Albanian soil,” Rama said.
He specifically referenced the period of the Holocaust, noting that Albanians refused to hand over Jews to Nazi authorities, even at great personal risk.
“When the Nazis sent their officials, Albanians said: ‘Take our gold, but not the Jews.’ This is not a legend,” Rama stated.
The Albanian Prime Minister explained that this extraordinary stance is summed up in a traditional Albanian principle:
“The Albanian home belongs to God and to the guest.”
He added that “betraying a friend is the most unforgivable crime that can exist.”
Rama also delivered messages of peace, stressing that peace should be pursued without focusing on blame, a remark seen as a broader appeal for reconciliation amid ongoing regional tensions.
