Klein Recongizes Albanian Heroism During World War Ii Tours Un Photo Exhibition

Jeffrey D. Klein

January 28, 2008

Besa: A Code of Honor/Muslim Albanias Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust". Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority in Jerusalem, recognized Albanian heroism in saving every Jew who either lived in Albania or sought asylum there during World War II with the opening of Besa.  Norman Gershman, an American Jew, documents the courage and compassion of the rescuers and their families—approximately 65 percent of whom were Muslim and 35 percent of whom were Orthodox and Roman Catholic—who saved more than 2,000 Jews from death at the hands of Italian fascists and German Nazis. 

Senator Klein is here picture from left to right with: Neil Goldstein, the Executive Director of the American Jewish Congress; Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, Balkan Affairs Adviser to the Albanian American Civic League; former Congressman Joe DioGuardi, President of the Albanian American Civic League; Senator Klein; and Gjergj Dedvukaj, member of the board of the Albanian American Civic League and owner of Giovanni's restaurant in the Bronx