Legendary champions of the Albanian national cause, Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, recently visited Kosovo with a profound mission. Their purpose: to honor the Albanian people’s remarkable history of compassion, sacrifice, and bravery in saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
Joined by Lekë Rezniqi, president of the Kosova-Israel Friendship Association, and Hafiz Shala, a member of the Albanian-American Civic League, this gathering symbolized unity and shared values.
The DioGuardis highlighted the story of Arif Aliçkaj and Arsllan Rezniqi, who received Yad Vashem’s Righteous Among the Nations award for saving Jewish lives. Their legacy and those of other heroes are etched on the Wall of Honor, set to be inaugurated on August 23, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Pristina’s city park.
A seminar at 2 p.m. on the same day at the Emerald Hotel will delve into Kosova Albanians’ unique role in rescuing Jews during the Holocaust. Open to all, this event fosters understanding, tolerance, and historical awareness.
Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi’s visit underscores the enduring power of compassion, reminding us that even in the darkest times, humanity’s best qualities shine through.
