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| Rama and Netanyahu shaking hands, 2015 |
In the framework of the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Albania and Israel, the Museum of the Jewish People, based in Tel Aviv, in cooperation with the Embassy of Albania in Israel, organized a seminar with the theme "Jews in Albania: Jewish Community in the country of eagles ".
This event was attended by professors, academics and students of the University of Tel Aviv, representatives of art and culture as well as representatives of the Albanian-Jewish community.
The main lecture was held by Professor Efrat Kedem.She highlighted the rare and consolidate history of the Jewish presence in Albania since the times of the Crusades, during World War II until nowadays.
Through the publication of archival documents, video footage, testimonies and interviews, it was stressed that the Albanians gave shelter to Jews that left Spain, defended and rescued thousands of Jews during the Holocaust by emphasizing the unique values of Albanians: hospitality, besa (faith), humanism and tolerance .
It was particularly underlined that Albania was the only occupied country in the world where the Jewish population grew during war years.
Chairwoman of the Association of Israel-Albania friendship, Felicita Jakoel in her speech gave a brief description of the experience of her family and other Jews who were saved by the Albanian population during the war.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador of Albania in Israel, Bardhyl Canaj thanked for organizing such an event, aimed at recognizing the contribution of Albanians in saving Jews, but also to promote the values of Albanian people and Albania in Israel.
In the end, the Ambassador made a presentation on the current relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that relations are increasing dynamically in size.