Albania to establish a museum honoring citizens who rescued Jews during the Holocaust

The Ministry of Culture of Albania has announced the creation of the "Besa" Museum—a new cultural space in the nation's capital, Tirana, dedicated to the heroic actions of Albanians who saved Jews during the Second World War. According to The Jerusalem Post, a unique historical building reflecting 19th-century Albanian architecture has been designated for the museum space. The structure currently holds status as an Albanian cultural heritage site and architectural monument.

The Albanian government had previously stated its intention to establish a memorial center. Notably, in October 2022, during an official visit to Jerusalem, Prime Ministers Edi Rama announced the creation of the museum at a commemorative event honoring the Albanian Righteous Among the Nations.

To identify the optimal design solution, the Ministry of Culture of Albania will soon launch an architectural project competition. Alexander Mashkevitch, Honorary President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, will contribute to its financing.

"It is a great honor for me to participate in this vital project, which will immortalize the bravery of the Albanians who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust," Mashkevitch commented on the museum's launch.

According to him, the Albanian people "and Rama in particular, have demonstrated a profound commitment to preserving the memory of these heroic deeds, and it is a privilege to collaborate with them. This project stands as a testament to the power of solidarity and compassion in the face of darkness. I hope its realization will inspire future generations to uphold and advance the legacy of human kindness."

According to the blueprint, the "Besa" Museum is planned to serve as a meeting point, a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and various other purposes. The center is designed to enhance Tirana's tourist attractions and serve diverse educational and social functions.

Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized the significance of this moment for "the history, urban planning, and architecture of Tirana": "I believe we can finally breathe a sigh of relief from a long-standing obligation to our children and visitors, connected to what is perhaps the most glorious chapter of Albanian history—the rescue of Jews during World War II," he said.

Albania remains one of the few European countries where the Jewish population increased following the Second World War. Nearly the entire local Jewish community survived, and due to the influx of refugees, the Jewish population exceeded that of 1939.

The EAJC values the close historical ties between the Albanian and Jewish peoples: during World War II, Albanian Righteous Among the Nations saved European Jews at the risk of their own lives. In recognition, the Jewish people and the State of Israel express their gratitude to the people of Albania.

Furthermore, a significant milestone in the partnership between the Albanian authorities and the EAJC was the joint evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan to Albania. Emergency assistance for 40 men and women was provided with the direct involvement of Alexander Mashkevitch and the Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Aaron G. Frenkel.