Besa albanian code of honor. We divided them amongst the villagers.

In this 60 minutes play, we join an Albanian family who hosts two Jews fleeing from neighbouring Greece. Its core tenets of hospitality, promise, and shelter date back centuries as a pillar of Highland tribes in northern and central Albania. BESA. It is comprised of portraits and texts about Muslim families in Albania, who saved Jews during the Holocaust, converging between two seemingly opposed worlds. ” “The Albanian’s honor is worth more than gold. 4. Skip to content. As an oath, Besa is eternal. Besa: Keeping Promises at All Costs. This Kanun sets up the rules, upon which the culture is based, focusing on the concepts of honor, like hospitality and besa, and the topmost of the society, is Family. . Oct 26, 2023 · The story stems, in their view, from their nation’s culture of “besa” — Albania’s medieval code of honor, which requires people to welcome any guests, including foreigners, as their own. It was a matter of course to them, according to “Besa”, their code of honor. Rexhep must fulfill the promise made to a The gesture of the Albanian King Zog is said to be part of the traditional Albanian besa (honor), according to which many Jews (including Einstein) were saved from Nazi forces prior to and during World War II. Besa literally means “to keep a promise”. 03:45. The primary purpose of the law that established Yad Vashem was to create a memorial to commemorate and perpetuate the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. in Albania, when it was still under Italian rule, and now found themselves faced with the danger of deportation to concentration camps. 0 out of 5 stars Honor, Loyalty, and Payback, February 2, 2017 By victor r cipullo This review is from: Besa (Paperback) Being a Bronx resident, I knew a lot about the Italian and Albanian bad guys Feb 24, 2023 · The concepts of Besa (personal honor) and Nderi (family honor) are at the core of the code. ” neighbors. We divided them amongst the villagers. It dictates a moral behavior so absolute that nonadherence brings shame and dishonor on oneself and one’s family. Apr 26, 2022 · Besa: A Code of Honor. In Albanian society, besa is seen as a sacred and inviolable obligation that directs social interactions and shapes moral ideals. ” Anyone that acts according to the Code of Besa is someone who keeps his/her word and you can trust. He plied them with wine until they became drunk. Meanwhile he hid a note in a piece of melon and gave it to the Aug 22, 2012 · 03:45 - Source: CNN. Op1. fides) and nderi (family honour, Lat. Besa: A Code of Honor – Muslim Albanians who Rescued Jews during the Holocaust is about the Righteous Among the Nations – non-Jews who risked their lives saving Jews during the Holocaust. Besa given to a friend or Guest gets never sold. Training event for teachers Host: Never Give Up, Zurich 18 November, 2022 | 7 pm – 8:30 pm 19 November, 2022 | 2 pm – 6 pm (break included) Between 1933 and 1945, the Albanian population saved people’s lives in an extraordinary act. The other is Rexhep Hoxha, a Muslim-Albanian. Simply stated, it demands that one take responsibility for the lives of others in their Jan 10, 2024 · Muhadri emphasizes that besa is one of the ways in which the law of Leke Dukagjini was enforced, and from that time, some of the Albanian sayings related to besa have survived: "The honor of an Albanian cannot be bought", "An Albanian would rather die than break his word", and "The honor of an Albanian is worth more than gold". , Ramle, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sport, tomorrow, January 27, 2009, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. [1] The concept is based upon faithfulness toward one's word in the form of loyalty or as an allegiance guarantee. Home; About Us; Services; Storytelling; Work With us; Contact Us Jan 19, 2018 · Owing partly to what locals call Besa, a local code of honor and neighborly conduct, the rescue and survival of approximately 2,000 Jews by Albanians for decades had remained largely unknown. May 9, 2023 · What is more, many of these Albanians are Muslim. [4] Besa contains mores toward obligations to the family and a friend, the demand to have internal commitment, loyalty and solidarity when conducting oneself with May 24, 2012 · Besa – the Albanian code of faith and honor – was the source of the courage that led to their rescue. Malësorët), and are deeply From its origins in Albanian language and traditions to its symbolic role in historical codes of honor and hospitality, Besa encapsulates a profound sense of faith and trust. Albania is the most unique aspect of this Albanian part of society. Download or read book Besa written by Norman H. Besa means literally “to keep the promise”. Lecture and virtual BESA exhibit walk Oct 26, 2023 · The story stems, in their view, from their nation’s culture of “besa” — Albania’s medieval code of honor, which requires people to welcome any guests, including foreigners, as their own. The Albanian resistance helped Jews escape from the Nazis and aided in their transport to safety in other countries. TIL that the majority Muslim country of Albania saved countless Jewish lives during WWII. It was this idea that saved hundreds if not thousands of Dec 12, 2008 · Hardcover – December 12, 2008. Aug 22, 2012 · 03:45 - Source: CNN. A woman named Lime Balla speaking about Albanian Jews says: “We were sheltering God’s children under our Besa. This unwritten law is deeply interwoven into the fabric of Albanian culture and reflects the people’s strong moral values. If a promise is made, it is a matter of honor to keep it. Gershman. 58. First to the Greeks during the famine of the World War I, then to the Italian soldiers stranded in our country after their surrender to the Allies, then the Jews during the German occupation and most recently to the Albanian refugees from Kosovo fleeing the Serbs. I along with a group of twenty five Muslim and Jewish women had the privilege of meeting with the family of Muslim Albanians that were featured in the film during one of our recent trip to the Balkans as part of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom. Besa is an Albanian cultural precept, usually translated as "faith", that means "to keep the promise" and "word of honor". The remarkable assistance afforded to Jews during this time is grounded in BESA, the code of honor Besa: A Code of Honor Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust "There is no trace of any discrimination against Jews in Albania, because Albania happens to be one of the rare lands in Europe today where religious prejudice and hate do not exist, even though Albanians themselves are divided into three faiths. " May 17, 2024 · Explore the profound cultural concept of "Besa" in Albania—a timeless tradition of honor, trust, and integrity that shapes the very fabric of Albanian societ The series gathered more than 200 actors from the entire territory of the former Yugoslavia, as well as foreign actors from Albania, United Kingdom and France. Albanian honor code saves Jews in WWII. TextRighteous Among the Nations who risked their lives to save Jews”. I was born in 1910. Though its popularity may be more concentrated within Albanian-speaking regions, its impact is palpable through the notable personalities who bear the name. The assistance afforded to the Jews was grounded in BESA, a code of honour, which still today serves as the highest ethical code of the century. #NeverAgain #Besa "Following the German occupation in 1943, the Albanian population, in an extraordinary act, refused to comply with the occupier’s orders to turn over lists of Jews residing In Albania, there is a long tradition of showing hospitality. Nov 1, 2008 · Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. My father spoke excellent German and invited the Nazis into his store and offered them food and wine. Besnik for men and Besa for women continue to be very popular names among the people of Book Synopsis Besa by : Norman H. Stories worth watching 16 videos. The Righteous Among the Nations. Apr 18, 2023 · She said two films featuring true stories about the Albanian code of "Besa" will be shown on Tuesday and Thursday at Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave. Besa can also indicate protection and hospitality, and it is related in this case to the concept of N’dorë, or the Albanian the uk - albania - 100 years of diplomatic relations (1922-2022) - by mal berisha AMBASSADOR I PUSHTETIT TË BUTË Ky libër është botuar nga Shtëpia Botuese EduAlba në Tiranë. Albania is the only country in Europe that had a larger population of Jews after the war than before. Besa was set up as an international co-production between Adrenalin and Red Planet Pictures. Exhibition based on the project of photographer Norman Gershman, who documented the Albanian Muslims who saved Jews during the Holocaust. Story as told by Sazan Hoxha (son of Nuro Hoxha) On July 21, 1992, Yad Vashem recognized Nuro Hoxha The remarkable assistance afforded to the Jews was grounded in Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. The assistance afforded to the Jews was grounded in BESA, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest Aug 18, 2017 · Besa e Konstandinit. Mar 27, 2018 · Albania, a small and mountainous country on the southeast coast of the Balkan peninsula, was home to a population of 803,000. Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust. ” Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Besa. The other is Rexhep Hoxha, an Albanian shopkeeper. BESA: The Promise weaves Albania's heroism in WWII through the modern day journeys of two men. Besa dictates there are no foreigners, only guests. " Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. They did this because of Besa, the Albanian honor code that dates back many hundreds of years, literally meaning “to keep the promise”. One who acts according to Besa is someone who keeps his word, someone to whom one can trust one’s life and the lives of one’s family. “The ethical qualities of the Albanian people are a way of explaining this story: besa , hospitality, the traditional code of honor,” Sinani said, but one must also take into account other principles like solidarity and Nov 8, 2009 · move to sidebar hide. Jan 16, 2018 · Owing partly to what locals call Besa, a local code of honor and neighborly conduct, the rescue and survival of approximately 2,000 Jews by Albanians for decades had remained largely unknown. The Yad Vashem Exhibition, now in Arabic and Hebrew, will open at 10:30, in the presence of Yad neighbors. American photographer Norman Gershman, fascinated by stories of the rescue effort, traveled to Albania and Kosovo to chronicle the tales of Albanian-Muslim protectors and their devotion to Besa, which means "to keep the promise. All the inhabitants of Vlorë were anti-fascist and all knew that many families were sheltering Jews. "The Albanian Code," a documentary film by Yael Katzir, follows a Jewish woman named Annie Altaratz-Francis, who survived the Holocaust after escaping from Yugoslavia to Albania with her family. 2. ” The code of Besa encourages Albanians to “keep to their word and promise. "Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. The “Besa” is regarded as the topmost ethical and holy code of behavior in the BESA. This ancient legal code defines the Albanian character, even today. Jun 21, 2023 · Besa is deeply ingrained in Albanian culture and reflects the significance placed on personal reputation and moral values. Only the Jews showed their gratitude. Menu. The extraordinary act of savior in Albania can be traced to the phrase: “Besa”—an Albanian moral code of honor (Cohen, 2016). The museum will be housed in the historic House of Toptans embodies the best of 19th-century Albanian architecture and has been designated a Albania was the only country with more Jews at the end of WWII than beforehand, as Albanians saved their neighbors and those who took refuge in their country. Dec 3, 2020 · The assistance to Jews was grounded in BESA, the code of honor which still today serves as the highestethical code in the country. Albania offered free transit, without visa, during the war, allowing refugees to pass through or stay and seek shelter. Under the oath of "Besa", a uniquely Albanian code of honor, a guest in one's home must be protected at all costs, even if it means laying down your life for your guest. “The second initiative is the Besa museum in the city center of the capital Tirana, which refers to the Albanian code of honor that stands at the basis of the saving of the Jewish community Nov 18, 2022 · Albania was the only Muslim country in Europe, so Albanians had a different way of interacting with strangers because of the code of honor called Besa. The Veselis acted according to a traditional rule of conduct: besa, the Albanian code of honor. Besa is a moral code, a norm of social behavior, and an ancient tradition. Besa means to keep the promise, to keep one’s word and includes a moral imperative to offer one’s home to protect and shelter any guest in need. "Besa is Besa is a word in the Albanian language meaning pledge of honor. The “Besa” is regarded as the topmost ethical and holy code of behavior in the Apr 1, 2016 · The story itself is a celebration of the Albanian national principle of BESA, usually translated as faith or word of honor. Besa means literally “to keep the promise. Full speech ready2print exhibition "Besa: A Code of Honor" displayed at the The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, Augusta, USA. Nov 1, 2007 · On November 1, Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority in Jerusalem, recognized Albanian heroism in saving every Jew who either lived in Albania or sought asylum there during World War II with the opening of “Besa: A Code of Honor/Muslim Albanians who Rescued Jews during the Holocaust. The willingness of the Albanians to take in Jews is attributed to Besa, a code of honor that requires you to shelter anyone in need of refuge and put their needs before your own family's. It is 1943, and the Albanian population, in an extraordinary act, refuse to comply with the German occupation's orders to turn over Jews who have fled there for safety. “He who saves one human being is Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. In other words, ‘Besa’ means that when someone asks you to protect him/her, you are obliged to protect his/her life with your own life. ”Albania’s legacy of Besa is a legacy of enlightenment,” said Rabbi Polokoff, ”a legacy of Jan 26, 2009 · BESA: A Code of Honor - Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust, Photographer: Norman Gershman, will open at the Ramle Museum, 112 Herzl St. Hear graduation Aug 7, 2016 · Besa is something of a “folkloric explanation” in terms of accounting for way the Albanian people did what they did. Join us for a live discussion about the experiences of Albanian Muslims who – at great risk to themselves and their families – saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. The legacy of The Besa (personal honour, compare with Lat. At the heart of Albanian society lies the concept of Besa, a sacred code of honor that dictates the importance of keeping promises and protecting one’s honor at all costs. Navigation Main page; Contents; Current events; Random article; About Wikipedia Jan 19, 2023 · What is the Albanian code of honor? Another major part of the Kanun is the Albanian code of honor, or besa, which emphasizes the value of keeping one’s word and maintaining promises. One is Norman Gershman, a renowned Jewish-American photographer determined to document first-person accounts of the Albanian Muslims who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Apr 11, 2018 · The exhibition, “Besa: A Code of Honor – Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust,” is a project of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center. [ 1] The only word in Shqip (language of the Eagle) that can be translated as 'faithful' is 'besnik', derived from besa. Sep 26, 2022 · During this temporary truce, hot-blooded vendettas could be avoided, and if the Kanun allowed, the murder could be forgiven. 106 likes. It dictates a moral behavior so absolute that nonadherence brings shame and dishonor on oneself and one's family. ‘Besa” is a word of honor, a saint Feb 1, 2015 · The Albanians not only protected their Jewish citizens, but also provided sanctuary to Jewish refugees who had arrived in Albania. Besa constitutes the foundation of the Kanun. Nov 16, 2018 · During World War II Albania, a Muslim country, took great efforts to help Jews. What is more, many of these Albanians are Muslim. Bride's sister springs into action when snake interrupts wedding party. Albania’s Ancient Code of Honor. We took in three brothers by the name of Lazar. ” (source: BBC story about Besa) “The honor of an Albanian can not be sold or bought in a bazaar. It consists of 16 large panels, each panel contains a photograph by Norman H. Story as told by Hamid Veseli and Xhemal A CODE OF HONOR. Klein 4 March 2023, 12:43 am Edit Posted by u/mayonesa - 973 votes and 408 comments Feb 2, 2017 · 5. Jews was grounded in BESA, the code of honor which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. Simply stated, it demands that one take responsibility for the lives of others in their time of need. Simply stated, it demands that one take responsibility for the lives of Dec 13, 2010 · The Pashkajs were one of thousands of Muslim families in Albania who hid Jews during the Holocaust. During the recruitment process a member inducted into the Albanian mafia is required to take an oath. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Kanun is its regulation of A good reason to visit Albania, however, might be to pay homage to besa, the Albanian code of honor and hospitality. They were all escaping from the Germans. Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. ” (source Nov 12, 2014 · The concept of “Besa” (also known as the ‘cult of Besa’) is one of the most important manners of conduct for Albanians, as it is related to the cult of honor. Besa is given to a friend or Guest and never sold. Photographer: Norman Gershman. The exhibition features photographs taken by the American photographer Norman Gershman and personal rescue stories of Muslim-Albanian families who saved Jews and were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. This book was released on 2008-12-12. In 1943, at the time of Ramadan, seventeen people from Tirana came to our village of Shengjergji. Dec 27, 2012 · Some of them were specially honored in the travelling exhibition "Besa: A Code of Honor," first shown in 2008 at the United Nations headquarters in New York and now touring German cities The remarkable assistance afforded to the Jews was grounded in Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. After Hitler’s rise to power in 1933, many Jews found refuge in Albania. It was my job to take food to the families in the bunkers and to shop for necessities. Besa proverbs “Before the house belongs to the owner, it first belongs to God and the guest. When an Albanian gives his oath, Besa gets sealed. Through this practice, Muslims and Christians risked their lives during World War II to save the local Jewish population, as well as hundreds of refugees from neighboring countries. One of the most controversial rules of the Kanun deals with murder and blood feuds, which could lead to generations-long retaliation between two families. BESA: The Promise weaves Albania’s heroism in WWII through the vérité journeys of two men. ” This code is largely respected and that is why the Albanians are so respectful and warm-hearted. 01:33. When Jews landed in high Feb 16, 2019 · “Besa”, also (geg alb. The exhibition is a production of the Museums Division, Yad Vashem. Mar 24, 2009 · Besa e Shqiptarit, The Albanian code of honor Feb 1, 2021 · a friend is associated with the honor word of Besa. Gershman, accompanied by a brief text that tells the story of the people and their descendants who defied the law and protected the Jews of Albania. One is Norman Gershman, a renowned American photographer determined to document first-person accounts of the Albanians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Book excerpt: Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. Jul 21, 1992 · The bunkers were connected, and had many escape routes. honor) are of prime importance throughout the code as the cornerstone of personal and social conduct. a Film by Bashkim Myftari Based on an Albanian Code of honor Called Besa. 57 Besa is strictly related to honor, the fundamental value of Albanian customary law. BESA: A Code of Honor is about the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ – non-Jews who risked their lives saving Jews during the Holocaust. April 26, 10am-4pm in the Pit (near bookstore/student center) Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) program honoring the legacy of Muslim rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust in Albania. The Veseli family received the Jews with open arms and expected nothing in return. A CODE OF HONOR. These remarkable acts were grounded in Besa, a code of honor that still exists in the country today. The laws apply to both Christian and Muslim Albanians. May 7, 2008 · That phenomenon was largely due to the concept of Besa, a code of honor that guides Albanians. The remarkable assistance afforded the Jews was grounded in Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. The exhibit, Besa: A Code of Honor. This concept, the only. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Mar 5, 2023 · BESA is the name given to the Albanian code of honor. ” This exhibit by fine art photographer, Norman Gershman, an American Jew Destan and Lime Balla. Besa demands that you take responsibility for the lives of others in difficult Jan 29, 2019 · Thank you to everyone that joined us for the opening reception of Besa: A Code of Honor - Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust. Over a five-year period, Gershman sought out, photographed, and collected these powerful and moving stories of heroism in the book Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews in World War II (Syracuse University Press, 2008) and the film “Besa: The Promise. It was filmed for 120 days on numerous attractive locations throughout the Balkans. The Albanian mafia uses the term besa, meaning "trust", as a name for their "code of honor". Dec 12, 2008 · Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. The Kanun applies to both Christian and Muslim Albanians. It dictates a moral behavior so absolute that nonadherence brings shame and dishonor on oneself and one&s family. Sep 16, 2023 · “Besa” is an Albanian word that means “Pledge of Honor. Apr 12, 2023 · The museum is to be named “Besa”, Albanian for “promise” or “trust”, which relates to an honour code dating back centuries. ”. At first I didn't know they were Jews. Beja), or in the free translation OATH (or swear word, promise or pledge) are associated with Albanians, especially the Highlanders (alb. in which another culture, the Albanian culture, formed off of the oral tradition known as Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country, could drive an entire nation to stand on its own head, against rational reactions of a tyrannical giant like the Nazi Jul 27, 2023 · The institution is dedicated to showcasing the Albanian code of honor represented through the name “Besa,” a concept that dictates welcoming any guests as one’s own. May 5, 2024 · “The second initiative is the Besa museum in the city center of the capital Tirana, which refers to the Albanian code of honor that stands at the basis of the saving of the Jewish community One day a German transport rolled by with nineteen Albanian prisoners on their way to hard labor, and one Jew who was to be shot. Besa is extremely important in Albanian culture, and is considered a verbal Besa: A Code of Honor. Yet, an additional stipulation in the law requires Yad Vashem to honor “the Righteous Among the Nations who risked their lives to save Jan 25, 2011 · Besa, which literally means “to keep the promise,” is a code of honor deeply embedded in Albanian Muslim culture. Oct 23, 2010 · "Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. The oath is then considered sacred because it is defined as a Besë. Hear graduation Mar 4, 2023 · Besa Museum will be named after strict neighborly honor code that Albanians say motivated them to protect their Jewish neighbors during World War II By David I. Besa is the Albanian term for a traditional cultural code emphasizing faithfulness, trustworthiness, and protection. The shelter given to a friend is associated with the honor word of Besa. The remarkable assistance afforded to the Jews was grounded in Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. Of those only two hundred were Jews. er fm ym ux jl yh ke wn nx ub