Speaker of the Knesset MK Amir Ohana (Likud) addressed the Knesset Plenum during its special debate on Monday in honor of the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, your visit here is not just a routine diplomatic visit, it is a real historical moment. You are the first Prime Minister of Albania to speak on this podium, and the fourth leader of a Muslim-majority country in the Knesset‘s history to honor it on such an occasion.
“And this is happening, Mr. Prime Minister, thanks to your extraordinary leadership, the ties you have built over years between Albania and the State of Israel, and thanks to the people of Albania and the citizens of Albania of all religions. A country that can teach the entire world what religious tolerance is, and what mutual respect is.
“Your visit is being held at a critical historical juncture. About three months ago, US President Donald Trump spoke on this podium—and this is our first opportunity since then to host a world leader. I would like to thank you for announcing that you are joining President Trump’s peace initiative, an initiative that aims to ensure a better future for the entire free world.
“During this visit, President Trump announced here in the plenum an agreement that would bring back all the hostages. Today, the IDF troops completed the mission. About half an hour ago, it was released for publication that the body of our last hostage, Israeli hero Sgt. 1st Class Ran Gvili, was found and identified. He left his home first on the morning of October 7, 2023 to protect his Israeli brothers and sisters, and now we have come full circle and he will be brought back for proper burial in the soil of the country that he defended and for which he fought. I would like to embrace his dear parents, Tali and Itzik, and the entire Gvili family.
“Your visit, Mr. Prime Minister, is taking place at a time when the State of Israel is after two difficult years of a campaign; a campaign that is not only a war over borders or territory, but over the very right to live as a free nation in our land. And from the midst of the storm and the clouds of war, this encounter between us is a rare moment of clarity. It is an encounter that connects between past and present, between two ancient peoples, which are small in territory but great in spirit.
“These are peoples that understand that sovereignty cannot be taken for granted, but is rather acquired through determination, memory and uncompromising loyalty to the truth. The history of the Jewish people and the Albanian people is intertwined with threads of unparalleled moral heroism. We remember, and will never forget, what happened on your soil in the darkest days of humanity.
“While all of Europe collapsed under the Nazi boot, and many countries gave up their Jewish neighbors to their death, Albania remained as a lone beacon in the darkness. The historical fact is unbelievable—Albania is the only country in occupied Europe that ended World War II with a larger number of Jews than at the war’s start.
“On the morning of October 7, absolute evil—barbarism that we had thought passed from the world—struck the State of Israel and the Jewish people. And once again, as in the past, the world was divided into two. There were those who stammered, searched for context, or simply remained silent. But there were also leaders of the other kind. You, Mr. Prime Minister, chose a clear and lucid voice. You were among the few leaders in the world for whom directness, courage and candor overcame whitewashed diplomacy. You stood before the international community and spoke the words that few dared to say—’Hamas are the Nazis of the new century.’ You added that history has taught us that there is no peace with Nazis and no compromises with Nazis.
“Our joint stance here today is the strongest message that we can send to the world. There are those who are trying to portray the current war as a war between religions, but they are mistaken and misleading. The story of Albania, a country with a Muslim majority that saved its Jews, and the story of the friendship between our countries today, proves otherwise.
“This is not a war between Judaism and Islam, it is a war between the sons of light and the sons of darkness; between those who sanctify life, creativity and liberty—Jews, Christians and Muslims alike—and those who sanctify death, destruction and enslavement.
“The same benighted fanaticism, which is led by the ayatollah regime in Tehran and its proxies, threatens Albania no less than it threatens Israel—and now we know more than ever to what extent it also threatens the citizens of Iran. History teaches us that bloodthirsty dictatorships do not stop by themselves, they are stopped only when they encounter an opposing force, which is determined and unified. An alliance of countries that are not willing to compromise over their liberty. We fight our enemies determinedly, so that we will be able to live at peace with our friends.
“I want to thank you for the fact that Albania, as an influential voice in the Balkans in general, and during its tenure as a member of the UN Security Council in particular, stands on the right side of history. I want to thank you for the fact that you are working to educate the next generations against antisemitism, and for commemorating the illustrious heritage of your nation,” said Speaker of the Knesset MK Ohana.
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