HMD
The Albanian Embassy
On Monday 27 January 2025, Our Development Director, Joshua London had the honour of representing Yad Vashem UK Foundation at the Albanian Embassy in the UK for their Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.
“We remembered the tragedies of the past while also highlighting Albania’s remarkable and courageous actions during WWII. The Embassy showcased Yad Vashem’s travelling exhibition, “BESA – A Code of Honor,” which highlights the inspiring bravery of Albanian Muslim families who risked everything to save Jewish lives.”
Albania was the only Nazi-occupied country where the Jewish population actively increased during the war. Nearly 2,000 Jewish refugees found sanctuary there, protected by the Albanian people’s profound commitment to humanity.
This powerful exhibition by Yad Vashem, featuring the photography of Norman Gershman (1932-2019), is a testament to the spirit of courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable darkness.
Our deepest gratitude to His Excellency, the Hon. Uran Ferizi, PhD, Ambassador of Albania to the UK and Ireland, for hosting such a meaningful event and for his dedication to preserving and sharing this vital history.
Among the dignitaries, distinguished guests and friends in attendance was Amb Ilir Kapiti of Kosovo, Amb Katerina Stavreska of North Macedonia, The Hon Davor Ljubanovic, Chargé d’Affaires with the Embassy of Croatia, Yosef (Yossi) Zilberman, Political Counsellor with the Embassy of Israel, and Rabbi Michael Pollak .
May the legacy of the righteous and courageous Albanian people continue to inspire us all to uphold justice, kindness and mutual respect.