Legislators herald photographer Norman Gershman whose work captures the heroism and altruism of the Albanians during WWII
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and State Senator Jeff Klein today honored President of Albania H.E. Bujar Nishani for the role Albanians played in saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust and celebrated photographer Norman Gershman whose photographs capture the essence of their history.
“I’m honored to stand with President H.E. Bujar Nishani to share the Albanian people’s history with New Yorkers and the world. Through Mr. Gershman’s lens we see the Albanians’ commitment to care for those in need, to foster hospitality in the face of radical hatred, and to Besa, the country's code of honor,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj. “It is crucial for us to continue to acknowledge and show appreciation for this unique and honorable display of humanity and compassion, especially in today’s world where we must work together to fight the growing trend of radicalism and stand up for justice, interreligious cooperation and peace. These stories remind us that we must remember the tragedies of WWII so as not to repeat those events; however, we must also remember and honor the silent heroes of WWII upon whose paths we must continue to follow in order to build tolerant and just communities in our districts, in the Great State of New York, and all over the world.”
“As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, I am especially moved by and grateful to those who risked their lives to shelter and protect millions of Jewish refugees during one of the darkest chapters in human history. Albanians took great risk to save Jews in their country, as well as neighboring nations, and their often unknown heroic actions merit this well deserved recognition. I’m honored to host President Nishani and commend the Albanian people for their compassion and bravery. I’m also proud to recognize photographer Norman Gershman whose work lets future generations learn about this extraordinary relationship between the Albanian and Jewish people,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.
“Today, 70 years later, in many parts of the globe, including parts of the European continent we notice an increasing feeling of anti-Semitism. The most recent anti-Semitic terrorist attack in France, but also in other countries, make us think the goal achieved 70 years ago is being placed in question once again,” President Nishani said. “We must not permit any kind of question marks and prejudices to affect the young generations, but instead we must act together with determination in the fight against anti-Semitism and in the defense of the United Nations declaration of universal human rights. The lessons learned from history should not be forgotten.”
Mr. German received proclamations from Assemblyman Gjonaj and Senator Klein at the noon reception, where his traveling exhibit, “Besa: Albanians that saved Jews during WWII,” was displayed.
“I discovered this unbelievable code of honor, something called besa, and this code is more than just an Albanian code. It’s a code that we all must embrace. When I say, ‘we,’ I mean that all of us — men, women, children — to honor the cultural differences between various peoples in various countries,” Mr. Gershman said.
Besa, the cornerstone of this event, is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated into the faith of Albanians. It dictates moral behavior and it demands that one take responsibility for the lives of others in their time of need. In Albania and Kosovo, Albanians sheltered not only the Jews of their cities and villages, but thousands of refugees fleeing the Nazis from other European countries at grave risk to themselves and their families. The Besa exhibition and film has been presented at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the United Nations in New York City, the Houses of Parliament in London, the European Union in Strasbourg, in Albania and in many more venues around the world.
President Nishani visited the Assembly Chamber with Assemblyman Gjonaj at 1:30, where Assembly Speaker Heastie presented him with a glass apple. Shortly after at 3 p.m., Nishani addressed the Senate.
Both houses passed resolutions recognizing the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII; and the remarkable role Albanians played rescuing Jews during WWII. More than 2,000 Jews survived Nazi persecution in Albania, where the local Albanian population hid them at the risk of their own lives.
L to R - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, President of Albania H.E. Bujar Nishani and State Senator Jeff Klein.
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Senator Jeff Klein present photographer Norman Gershman with proclamations.
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