Albania’s role in the Holocaust is a poignant testament to the country’s exceptional humanitarianism during one of history’s darkest periods. Irene Grunbaum’s autobiography, Escape Through the Balkans, provides a profound reflection on the refuge and safety provided by Albanians during World War II. In her book, translated and edited by Katherine Morris, Grunbaum expresses deep gratitude for the protection and kindness she received from both Albanian Muslims and Christians. She writes, “Farewell, Albania, I thought. You have given me so much hospitality, refuge, friends, and adventure. Farewell, Albania. One day I will tell the world how brave, fearless, strong, and faithful your sons are; how death and the devil can’t frighten them. If necessary, I’ll tell how they protected a refugee and wouldn’t allow her to be harmed even if it meant losing their lives. The gates of your small country remained open, Albania. Your authorities closed their eyes, when necessary, to give poor, persecuted people another chance to survive the most horrible of all wars. Albania, we survived the siege because of your humanity. We thank you.”

Albania’s Unique Role During the Holocaust

In a period when much of Europe was complicit in the Nazi regime’s atrocities, Albania stood out for its remarkable commitment to saving Jewish lives. Unlike other European nations, Albania did not only protect its own Jewish population but also provided sanctuary to Jewish refugees fleeing from countries like Serbia, Austria, and Greece. This extraordinary act of solidarity and bravery has not been widely recognized on the global stage, but it remains a significant chapter in the history of Holocaust resistance.

American Jew Harvey Sarner, residing in Palm Springs, California, and London, England, played a crucial role in shedding light on Albania’s humanitarian efforts. Deeply moved by the stories of Albanian Muslims and Christians who risked their lives to shelter Jews, Sarner dedicated himself to documenting these acts of courage. His research revealed the depth of Albanian hospitality, which was deeply rooted in the country’s cultural traditions and values. Despite the overarching danger of the Nazi occupation, Albanians exhibited unparalleled bravery, providing shelter and protection to those in need.

Sarner’s Contributions and Commemorations

Sarner’s work culminated in the publication of The Jews of Albania, a limited-edition booklet that captures the history and resilience of Albania’s Jewish community. His commitment to preserving this story did not stop there. After Albania’s transition to democracy in 1991, many Albanian Jews emigrated to Israel, where Sarner further discovered their stories of survival. His book, published in 1994, is a compelling account of the Albanian Jews’ experiences and the country’s remarkable role in their rescue.

In 1997, Sarner expanded on his earlier work with the release of Rescue in Albania: One Hundred Percent of Jews in Albania Rescued from the Holocaust. This updated edition provides a comprehensive account of how Albania managed to save every single Jew within its borders from Nazi concentration camps. His dedication to this cause was evident in his efforts to promote understanding and recognition of Albania’s heroic actions.

Sarner’s efforts extended to organizing a significant reunion in 1992 between Albanian Jews and their rescuers in Israel, an emotional and meaningful gesture of gratitude. He also supported Ledio Veseli, an Albanian Muslim, in pursuing higher education in the United States as a token of appreciation for the Albanian rescuers’ bravery.

Cultural and Academic Recognition

The impact of Albania’s actions during the Holocaust has been recognized in various ways. In February 1995, the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, honored Albania’s role by unveiling the names of Albanian protectors on its “Rescuer’s Wall.” The then-Museum Director, Miles Lerman, praised Albania as the only European country with a larger Jewish population at the end of the war than before it.

In 1995, an Israeli-Albanian concert held in Tirana celebrated the protection of Jews by Albanians during the Holocaust. The event featured performances by the Kibbutz Orchestra of Israel, the Opera Orchestra of Tirana, and the National Choir of Albania. The concert was a testament to the enduring bond between Albanian and Israeli communities, reflecting the deep gratitude and respect for Albania’s wartime actions.

Additionally, Apostal Kotani’s book, The Hebrews in Albania During Centuries, published in Tirana in 1996, provides detailed accounts and lists of some 98 Albanian Muslims and Christians who risked their lives to protect Jews during the Holocaust. This book further underscores the legendary hospitality and religious tolerance exhibited by Albanians during a time of immense peril.

How to Support and Learn More

For those interested in learning more about Albania’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts during the Holocaust, copies of Rescue in Albania can be obtained through a donation to the Frosina Information Network. Donations of $29.00 plus $4.00 for postage and handling (hardcover) or $15.00 plus $4.00 for postage and handling (softcover) are welcome. A portion of the donation will be tax-deductible. The Frosina Information Network, a non-profit organization established to assist Albanian newcomers to the U.S. and to address misconceptions about Albania and its people, appreciates your support in preserving and sharing this important history.