Prof. Sami Repishti, a distinguished survivor of Albania’s communist regime and a prominent advocate for Albanian rights and heritage, passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 99. His life epitomized resilience, intellectual pursuit, and dedication to justice and cultural preservation.

Born on April 6, 1925, in the Dudas neighborhood of Shkodra, Prof. Repishti’s early education included studies in Florence, Italy, before returning to Albania in 1943. In 1946, he was arrested under the charge of “Agitation and Propaganda Against the State.” During his imprisonment, he endured 14 months of inhumane torture at the hands of the Sigurimi. Reflecting on this period in a 2019 interview with Voice of America, he stated, “Even today, my body trembles when I recall how inhumanely we were treated.”

Sentenced to 15 years, he served 10 years in Shkodra’s prison and forced labor camps. Released in 1956, Prof. Repishti escaped Albania in 1960, initially seeking refuge in Yugoslavia and later in Italy, before permanently settling in the United States in 1962.

In the United States, Prof. Repishti resumed his academic pursuits, earning a doctorate in French from the City University of New York and the University of Paris. He built a notable career as an educator, contributing significantly to the field of linguistics and cultural studies.

Prof. Repishti’s commitment to the Albanian cause was unwavering. In 1996, he established the National Albanian-American Council, serving as its president until 1998. His advocacy included testimonies before the U.S. Congress and active representation of the Albanian-American community at the White House and the State Department.

An accomplished writer, Prof. Repishti authored several works, including “Nën Hijen e Rozafës” (Under the Shadow of Rozafa), which recounts his harrowing experiences during Albania’s communist regime, and “Pika Loti” (Tear Drops), a poignant tribute to his fellow prisoners.

Prof. Repishti’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of human resilience and the pursuit of justice. His contributions to education, advocacy, and the Albanian-American community will remain an enduring legacy.

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