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Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania was honored today at a special event “Bridging Nations: A Tribute to Prime Minister Edi Rama” held during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.
The ceremony, which took place at the 610 Loft and Garden in New York City, celebrated Prime Minister Rama’s pivotal role in promoting unity among Balkan countries and fostering closer ties with other European nations and the United States, as well as his dedicated efforts to protect the rights of minority communities and fight antisemitism.
The event, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) in partnership with the Center for Jewish Impact and B’nai B’rith International, brought together diplomats, international leaders, and representatives of Jewish communal organizations.
In partnership with @JewishImpact and @BnaiBrith, we’re proud to honor this evening His Excellency @ediramaal, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, for his exemplary leadership and resolute allyship in the collective effort against antisemitism in the Balkans and beyond. pic.twitter.com/6VHAjavE2y
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) September 26, 2024
Prime Minister Rama delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting Albania’s longstanding reputation as a bastion of religious diversity and coexistence, as well as its unique historical role as a safe haven for Jews during the Holocaust.
“No one who cherishes freedom and democracy should forget that Hamas represents the worst of the anti-democratic faces of this world,” Prime Minister Rama said. “So those who call Gaza an open-air prison have to be told that the guards of the prison are Hamas, not Israel.”
Center for Jewish Impact Chairman and CAM Board of Governors Member Robert Singer said, “Prime Minister Rama, your efforts to protect the Jewish community, to stand against antisemitism, and to promote unity in the Balkan region are not just commendable, they are transformational.”
Valentina Leskaj, a former Albanian government minister and current CAM Advisory Board member, introduced Prime Minister Rama, saying, “As a friend of the Jewish people, I applaud you for your steadfast support of Israel, particularly after the October 7th attack, when it was a very difficult situation. At a time when antisemitism is rising, even in long-standing democracies, such leadership is important to defend our shared values and stand against hate.”
Another key moment of the evening were remarks delivered by Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the renowned American historian and U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
Ambassador Lipstadt praised Prime Minister Rama’s efforts in combating hatred and advancing interfaith understanding.
“We’re joined by Albania in fighting antisemitism, and we look forward to being able to do even more,” Ambassador Lipstadt said. “It is a challenge for us at the State Department, for you and your Foreign Ministry and your government, but it’s a challenge for the children.”
The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the CAM Global Leadership Award to Prime Minister Rama in recognition of his exceptional and groundbreaking contributions to the collective effort against antisemitism and religious prejudice of all forms, including Albania’s hosting of the Balkan Forum Against Antisemitism in 2020.
This tribute, set against the backdrop of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, not only honored a remarkable leader but also reinforced the importance of global solidarity and proactive leadership in forging a more harmonious world.
Previous recipients of the CAM Global Leadership Award include Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General Luis Almagro, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa. The CAM Civic Leadership Award has been granted to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.
CAM Chief of Staff Arthur Maserjian underscored the urgency of the gathering in opening words at Thursday’s gathering.
“As we approach the first anniversary of October 7th, the bridges between nations, and our unity, are being tested,” he said. “The unprecedented surge and normalization of antisemitism over the past 11 months here in New York City, and indeed around the world, is an alarm bell reminding us of the very dangers the UN was founded to prevent.”
