On October 22, Albania became the second Muslim-majority country to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism.
The Washington Post reported that the Albanian parliament unanimously approved a resolution adopting the IHRA definition, which states that the delegitimization and demonization of Israel are forms of anti-Semitism.
According to The Jerusalem Post, The Albanian parliament’s speaker, Gramoz Ruci, said, “It is good news that we, the Albanians and the peoples of the Western Balkans, a region that has suffered more than any other part of the world, the consequences of ethno-centrist and religious-centrist views and attitudes, join this emancipatory action of contemporary civilization: the fight against anti-Semitism.”
He added that “Albanians have more reasons to be proud, because Albania is the only country in Europe where all Jews were taken under protection and rescued during World War II. Our homeland, Albania, in difficult times has served as a substitute soil for Jews.”
U.S. Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim applauded the Albanian parliament in a tweet.
“By adopting IHRA’s definition of anti-Semitism, Albania renews its commitment to fight hatred and reminds us of its legacy of protecting the vulnerable,” she wrote.
By adopting IHRA’s definition of anti-Semitism, Albania renews its commitment to fight hatred and reminds us of its legacy of protecting the vulnerable. https://t.co/lmNBe0v07C
— Ambassador Yuri Kim (@USAmbAlbania) October 22, 2020
The American Jewish Committee similarly tweeted, “Bravo to Albania and Prime Minister @EdiRamaal for adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism! Albania has been a steadfast friend of the Jewish people. We will never forget the nation’s extraordinary efforts to save Jews during WWII.”
Bravo to Albania 🇦🇱 and Prime Minister @EdiRamaal for adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism!
Albania has been a steadfast friend of the Jewish people. We will never forget the nation's extraordinary efforts to save Jews during WWII.https://t.co/bRE5zJtwEX
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) October 22, 2020
David Siegel, president of the Friends of the European Leadership Network, also said in a statement to the Journal, “We commend the Albanian parliament for standing against hatred, antisemitism, and antizionism – the denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination. The leaders of Albania are honoring the country’s legacy and its longstanding dedication toward defending the human rights of the Jewish people. ELNET looks forward to further strengthening Albanian-Israeli ties.”
In September, Kosovo became the first Muslim-majority country to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, coming a couple weeks after Kosovo established ties with Israel.
