Yesterday I walked into a local pizzeria to speak with the owner about buying his building. His name was Tony — I assumed he was Italian and Christian. To my surprise, he was Albanian and Muslim. I’m sure he notice my Kippah. His 30 year old son, standing protectively beside him, was named Zymer.
As we talked about the plaza his pizzeria was in, Zimmer asked if I knew my history and geography. Then he narrowed it to Albania. I admitted I didn’t know anything about Albania. Tony then personally made us both espresso, invited me to sit, and proudly told me how his grandmother had saved Jews on their family farm in Albania during the Holocaust — hiding them and protecting them under the ancient Albanian code of “BESA” (a sacred promise of honor and hospitality).
I was so moved by their warmth, pride, and humanity. I promised Tony and Zymer I would study the history of Albania and come back to talk more.
During the Holocaust, Albania was the only Nazi-occupied country in Europe where the Jewish population actually increased — from about 200 to around 2,000. Muslim and Christian Albanians sheltered refugees, issued fake documents, and refused to betray them, even at great personal risk. Almost every Jew in Albania survived.
In neighboring Kosovo, the story was more tragic under German occupation, but the spirit of Besa still shone through in many acts of courage.
I’m genuinely embarrassed I didn’t know this powerful chapter of Albanian history until Tony shared it with me over espresso. A beautiful reminder of interfaith solidarity and moral bravery in one of history’s darkest times.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if the spirit of Besa rises in Iran!
What an unforgettable encounter. Now I want to visit Albania/Kosovo.Thank you, Tony and Zymer. I’ll be back soon. ????????☕️✡️ Gëzuar!
