TIRANA, November 27 – The “Besa” exhibition opened today at Bunk’Art 2. It highlights Albania’s tradition of protecting human life even under dictatorship. It also reflects on the darkest chapters of human history and the suffering of Jewish people.

Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening. He praised Albanian families who sheltered Jews during World War II. These families acted with courage and moral clarity at a time when Nazism sought to destroy them. Rama referenced the writings of Hannah Arendt and Albania’s historical memory. He honoured those who resisted fear and upheld ethical values.

“This exhibition presents a proud chapter of Albanian history,” Rama said. “It reminds us that evil is often ordinary, administrative, and banal.”

Rama noted that Albanians protected Jews despite poverty and little influence. When Nazis demanded lists of Jewish residents, Albanians destroyed them. When others surrendered their neighbors, Albanians offered protection. Albania chose responsibility over obedience.

He added that Albania was the only European country with more Jews after the war than before it. No Jewish person was handed over to the Nazis. Responsibility was strengthened, not erased. Families acted out of conscience.

The exhibition also shows how ordinary families made extraordinary choices. They preserved human dignity when Europe lost its moral compass. Visitors will see Jewish families who arrived in Albania in desperation. They will also see Albanian families who welcomed them. Tradition held that an Albanian home belongs to God and the guest.

Rama said this history is a guiding compass, not a mere commemoration. Sharing food, hiding children, and protecting families were moral acts. Totalitarianism tried to extinguish them.

He concluded by expressing humility for the courage of these families. “May Albania always refuse injustice and choose humanity. The memory of those who saved lives is a blessing for all.”

/a.p./