Albania has made a significant diplomatic move, solidifying its historical connection with the Jewish people and the State of Israel by becoming the 64th nation to join the prominent Israel Allies Foundation (IAF). The move, marked by the Monday launch of the Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus in Tirana, is a powerful demonstration of cross-party unity and a shared commitment to advancing "faith-based diplomacy" on the global stage.
A Unified Front for Bilateral Ties
The announcement, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, signals a strengthened partnership and shared values between the two nations. The newly established Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus (PIAC) is a rare instance of cross-party cooperation in Albanian politics, co-chaired by Romina Kuko of the Socialist Party (the ruling majority) and Gazment Bardhi of the Democratic Party (the main opposition). This bipartisan leadership underscores a national consensus on the importance of the relationship with Israel, elevating it beyond domestic political divides.
The primary goal of the new parliamentary group is to collaborate closely with the international coalition of pro-Israel parliamentary caucuses affiliated with the Israel Allies Foundation. This international network works to advance diplomacy rooted in shared biblical values and mutual faith, particularly focusing on legislative support for Israel.
The Voices of Leadership
The co-chairs expressed deep honor and commitment to the initiative during the launch ceremony, where participating Members of Parliament formally signed the official Resolution establishing the Caucus.
Romina Kuko emphasized the historical depth of the relationship: “It is a great honor to be part of this moment, marking another chapter in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Albania and Israel. The fact that this group includes representatives from both the majority and the opposition carries a strong symbolic meaning, reflecting our shared national commitment and the excellent relations between our two peoples.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gazment Bardhi highlighted the moral foundation of the alliance: “It is an honor to mark a new chapter in the enduring friendship between Albania and Israel. This initiative reflects our shared values and deep historical ties. Albania's rescue of Jews during World War II remains a proud symbol of our humanity and courage. Through this platform, we strengthen our partnership in promoting peace, coexistence, and human dignity.”
This reference to World War II is crucial. Albania stands unique in Europe for having more Jews after the war than before, as the vast majority of its Jewish population, and refugees from other countries, were sheltered and protected by the Albanian people—a legacy of Besa (a code of honor and trust) that remains a cornerstone of the two nations' relationship.
Building on a Moral Tradition
The new caucus is not starting from scratch; it builds upon a decade of warming ties and tangible diplomatic support. In recent years, Albania has consistently demonstrated its support for Israel in international forums, notably by abstaining from a number of one-sided UN resolutions that critics often view as unfairly targeting the Jewish state. This pattern of support aligns Albania with a growing bloc of nations willing to take a principled stand.
Josh Reinstein, President of the Israel Allies Foundation, celebrated Albania’s inclusion in the global network: “Albania has a remarkable legacy of protecting and honoring the Jewish people, and this new caucus will build on that moral tradition.” He stressed the current geopolitical importance of the moment: “Faith-based diplomacy continues to unite leaders around shared biblical values. We are proud to welcome Albania into our global network at a moment when standing with Israel is more important than ever.”
The Impact of Faith-Based Diplomacy
The Israel Allies Foundation, headquartered in Jerusalem, plays a vital role in connecting pro-Israel parliamentarians and legislators across the globe. By focusing on shared Judeo-Christian values, the IAF aims to cultivate support for Israel that transcends transient political shifts.
The addition of the Albanian caucus to the IAF's 64-nation network is expected to have several key impacts:
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: The caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue, facilitating cooperation in areas like trade, technology, security, and tourism.
Increased International Advocacy: Albania's voice will be amplified within the IAF, contributing to a unified front against anti-Israel bias and antisemitism in international bodies.
Promoting Shared Values: The initiative reinforces the principle of human dignity and coexistence, drawing a direct line from Albania's historic Besa to its contemporary foreign policy.
The formal launch of the Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus in Tirana is a powerful reminder that diplomatic alliances are often built on deep historical and moral foundations. For Albania, a nation with a proud legacy of protecting the Jewish people, this new chapter marks a continuation of a noble tradition, securing its place within the global community of Israel's allies. The bipartisan commitment ensures that this partnership is resilient, long-lasting, and poised to achieve significant positive outcomes in the years ahead.
The enduring friendship between Albania and Israel, rooted in history and now formalized in the halls of Parliament, stands as a beacon of unity and shared values in a complex world.