Israeli President Herzog in historic visit to Albania

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Albania and held meetings with both President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama. 

Why is this significant

It was the first visit by an Israeli President since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, and testament to both the historical ties between the two people and the growing economic, diplomatic and political ties between Albania and Israel.  

What was said

Prime Minister Edi Rama reflected on Albania’s historical relationship with the Jewish people. He reminded those present of Albania’s unique position during World War II, where it became a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution. “We are very proud that our ancestors, whether Muslim or Christian, crossed every boundary and prejudice to protect the Jews, and no Jew was surrendered to the Nazis. The bond between Albanians and Israelis is a historical one. We have always been and will continue to be against antisemitism and against any form of intolerance or prejudice against Jews,” Rama declared. 

The Prime Minister also articulated Albania’s support for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. He the necessity of ending the conflict swiftly, while acknowledging the difficulties in combating terrorism. He highlighted Albania’s proactive efforts towards peace and stability, stating, “We are certainly very aware of what is happening in the territory where the people of Israel and the people of Palestine live. It is absolutely very serious, and it is absolutely something that must end as soon as possible. On the other hand, we are quite aware that this is easier said than done, and that the war and victory against terror are much more difficult than it may seem from afar.” Rama strongly emphasized Albania’s support for all initiatives aimed at bringing hostages home and initiating a new peace process for the benefit of all people involved. “The future will undoubtedly be one of a stronger Israel and a more peaceful and visionary region,” Rama concluded.

In his remarks, President Bajram Begaj reiterated Albania’s commitment to international peace and its opposition to antisemitism. President Begaj stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, aligning with Albania’s long-standing policies of tolerance and protection of human rights. “Albania remains steadfast in its support for peace in the Middle East and is committed to the safe return of all hostages,” he stated.

President Herzog appreciated Albania’s position since the onset of the Gaza conflict. “Your country has once again shown that it stands alongside the people of Israel while we fight to protect our people, our borders, and our civilization and especially as we fight for the dream to bring peace between us and Palestine, hoping that all nations in the region can live in peace,” Herzog remarked.

Historical relations

President Herzog closed his visit at the Holocaust Memorial in Tirana’s Park Lake, accompanied by Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj. Mayor Veliaj highlighted the historical context, “A few days ago, I was talking with some friends about this topic and recalled how, in 1934, Herman Bernstein, the United States ambassador to Albania, wrote: ‘There is no trace of discrimination against Jews in Albania, because Albania is one of the few countries in Europe today where there are no religious prejudices and hatred, even though the Albanians are divided into three faiths.’ If before the war there were 200 to 300 Jews in Albania, after the war, there were nearly 2,000.”