The Israeli minister calls on the world to take Albania's example regarding anti-Semitism

Omer Yankelevich speaking at the Forum of Anti-Semitism

 The Minister of Diaspora of Israel, Omer Yankelevich, called on the entire global community to follow the example of Albania in defense of the Jews.

Speaking at the Anti-Semitism Forum, preceded by the adoption of the Resolution on the Definition of Anti-Semitism by the Albanian Parliament, Minister Yankelevich said that in recent years there has been an increase in attacks on human rights and that all states must unite to fight this.

"The fight against anti-Semitism is very important for all of us. The Ministry of Diaspora for Israel has played a very important role in this. In 2019 we have seen an increase in anti-Semitism. The UK has reported incidents, but so have other countries. I talked to the communities, there was an attack on human rights. Anti-Semitism is coming from all directions. From those who deny the existence of Jews, their rights, creating these ideologies. This hatred has no place in today's society. As a first step, the global community must set priorities and set standards to combat anti-Semitism. I want to congratulate the Albanian government and parliament for this important step.

I call on all heads of parliaments to be ready to fight this hatred and to fight together for it. The solution must be for all of us. Our Ministry is here as a partner and we intend to work with all of you to defeat this global threat. This is not just a problem for Jews, but it is a global problem. We must address this issue alarmingly, we must all rise up against anti-Semitism and any other form of hatred. Albania has shown that it is really friendly to the Jews for the way it has treated them and the security it has given them. All countries should follow the example of Albania among the Jews. For this, I call on all the authorities in different countries. "Albania has protected the Jews many years ago and they are really to be admired and it is a place from which other countries should also get inspiration", declared the Israeli minister.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the fight against anti-Semitism and expressed his appreciation for Albania's work in helping the Jews.

Mike Pompeo speaking at the Forum of Anti-Semitism

"After the second war and the Holocaust, Albania was the second country that helped the Jews to escape Nazism and offered you shelter. They were also given false documents to survive. At the end of the war, there were more Jews living in Albania than before the war. It is an honor for Albania and for its tolerance, just like this Assembly that unites efforts to fight anti-Semitism.

I am not here to remind the history, but to raise our voice against anti-Semitism, as we have a responsibility to raise our voice.

We must first find this threat and then fight it. It is important to define, that is, to make the definition of anti-Semitism, to have an equal scope for all states.

We have seen a spread of anti-Semitism and this is worrying. In Muslim-majority countries, we need to talk about them speaking in the name of tolerance and in the name of Abraham. Let us guarantee the safety of every person that we all fight side by side. God bless Albania and the Albanians", said Pompeo.

The President of the European Parliament, Davide Sasoli, during his speech at the Anti-Semitism Forum, praised Albania's role in history, as one of the countries that sheltered and preserved the Jews, while adding that the example set by Albania during the Second World War should be followed also from other countries of the World.

Davide Sasoli speaking at the Forum of Anti-Semitism

He said that the time has come for Europe to raise a common front against these phenomena so that do not happen again.

"This is an activity we need in these difficult times, the fight against anti-Semitism is more important than ever. I wish we never have persecution of minorities again, no more Nazism, hatred, and wars. There must be a carefree life in Europe, an end to discriminatory incidents against Jews, let alone the history of 75 years ago. To react whenever anti-Semitism and racism raise their heads we must see them as an attack on human rights," he said.

"Albania has taken steps forward by defining anti-Semitism, this is part of your proud history of protecting Jews and hiding them. All this is a clear example of your humanity. The example of Albania should be followed by other nations. They must create a united front against anti-Semitism. To join forces, this is proof that we have a common destiny and a future to live together."