Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was honored on Thursday for his efforts to combat antisemitism and promote regional unity at a special event held during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.
The ceremony, titled "Bridging Nations: A Tribute to Prime Minister Edi Rama," took place at the 610 Loft and Garden in New York City. It celebrated Rama's role in fostering closer ties among Balkan countries, European nations, and the US, as well as his dedication to protecting minority rights.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), a global coalition uniting over 850 organizations and 5 million individuals from diverse backgrounds to fight antisemitism, organized the event in partnership with the Center for Jewish Impact and B'nai B'rith International. The gathering brought together diplomats, international leaders, and Jewish communal representatives.
In his keynote address, Rama highlighted Albania's history of religious diversity and its role as a safe haven for Jews during the Holocaust. He also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating, "No one who cherishes freedom and democracy should forget that Hamas represents the worst of the anti-democratic faces of this world. So those who call Gaza an open-air prison have to be told that the guards of the prison are Hamas, not Israel."
Robert Singer, chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact and CAM Board of Governors member, praised Rama's efforts, saying, "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."
Former Albanian government minister and current CAM Advisory Board member Valentina Leskaj introduced Rama, commending his support for Israel following the Oct. 7 attack. "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," Leskaj said.
US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fighting antisemitism. "We're joined by Albania in fighting antisemitism, and we look forward to being able to do even more," 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 highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CAM Global Leadership Award to Rama, recognizing his contributions to combating antisemitism and religious prejudice. The award acknowledged Albania's hosting of the Balkan Forum Against Antisemitism in 2020.
CAM Chief of Staff Arthur Maserjian opened the event by addressing the urgency of the gathering in light of recent events. "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."
