The Jewish community in Albania

16/05/2014 00:00

The Rabi for Balkan and Albania, Yoel Kaplan, accompanied by the member
of the Albanian-Jewish community, Sokol Pirra, attended a visit in Top
Channel’s premises, where he met with the President of Top Media,
Vjollca Hoxha, to thank Top Channel for the space dedicated to the story
of the Jewish people.

He also mentioned the help that the Jewish community has given and will keep giving in our country.

“The main purpose of my work is to help people from all communities. I cannot think that by being a Jewish Rabi, I have to take care of the Jewish people only. I am a Jewish leader, but my heart is open for everyone. We have the example of the father of Abraham, who opened his door to everyone. This is my way of service and I think that this is the right one to make things better. The major project that we have now is that of health care. We call it the “Besa” center. Giving the “Besa” means leaving yourself aside for helping others. We helped a woman with a cancer case on her leg. We sent her to Israel and saved her life through the help of technology and of our doctors. We are helping people and I think that we are helping Albania as well with businesses and tourism. People demand my advice as a Rabi when they want to invest. I tell them to invest in Albania, because it offers possibilities. The government and the people will welcome them. I want to bring teachers from Israel and experts of high technology for the youth, because they are more connected with it”, declared Yoel Kaplan, Rabi for Balkan and Albania.

The Rabi for Balkan and Albania declared that a very good cooperation is that with the other religious communities.

“I visited the President’s house to welcome Lord Rochild in Albania. I sat on the same table with the Orthodox, Muslim and Bektashi leaders. This was very important for me. Baba Mondi is a great leader for me and for many others. I hope that the connection with them will be even bigger. I think that having good relations with the leaders of other religious communities is very important. Not for me, but for the country. It is also a good light that Albania gives to the world. This is a good example of religious harmony. This goes for the young people that look at us, because we are all humans and we all have one heart and one God, and that’s why we have to stick together”, added Rabi Yoel Kaplan.

As for the Albanian-Jewish community, Rabi Yoel Kaplan declared that although it is a small community, it is united and active.

Top Channel