Author: Dr. Brisejda Lala, MA. Klodeta Cane, Dr. Joyce Long
Title: Holocaust Education Anchored in Local Histories: Lessons from Albania
Purpose: Honor January 27th, the "International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust" by focusing on Jews in Albania before and after the war.
Audience: Students from the 11th grade, ages 16-17
This lesson focuses on stories of rescue of Jews by different people in different places during World War II, especially in Albania. In the midst of the war, when trying to escape from the Nazis, Jews found themselves in need of help. While many were persecuted and sent to concentration camps, many ordinary people risked their lives to protect, assist, and hide Jews from the enemy. The most important outcome of this lesson is to highlight the importance of teaching the stories of the "Righteous Among the Nations" and their contribution to saving Jews during World War II in Albania, focusing on local history. Many families in Tirana saved Jews during the Holocaust period, and this time we will focus on the history of the Qoqja family, whom the teacher personally interviewed and the class visited. In this seminar, we will try to highlight the reasons why so many people made such a choice and give voice to untold stories that can inspire the younger generation.
Also, during this lesson, we will get to know better the roots of Hebrew culture in our country before and after the war. Many Jews lived in Albania even during the communist period and adapted to the culture, traditions, and way of life in the country.
By comparing different attitudes towards the Jewish people during the war, we will not only achieve the main goal of teaching about the Holocaust, but also spotlight those who defied Nazi edicts and opted to preserve life. Despite daunting obstacles and personal peril, numerous individuals courageously aligned with the righteous path, earning them the mantle of heroes and contemporary honor. This underscores the enduring fruits of goodness, even amidst the darkest of times.
This lesson provides an example of someone who opposed Nazi laws and made the choice to save lives. As difficult as this was, regardless of the risk to their own lives, other ordinary people chose to be on the right side of history. This reminds us that even in the darkest times, we always have an opportunity to be and do good.
General Learning Objectives
Students will:
Develop and evaluate historical events using various sources of information
Identify the connection between cause and effect
Use concepts related to historical events
Specific Student Learning Objectives
Understand the history of the Holocaust
Comprehend the material and non-material values of Hebrew culture in Albania as well as the national values of the Albanian people
Give voice to local Albanian history of helping Jews during a time of persecution by providing examples that have not been previously addressed
A pivotal aspect was students’ maximal involvement in exchanging ideas, knowledge, and posing thought-provoking questions. The most significant highlight was the examination of a unique narrative, serving as a historical illustration, notably the account of Beqir Qoqja's heroic act in rescuing Avraham, honored by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations.
Throughout this session, we also explored the historical background of Jewish communities in other European countries and examined instances of Jewish Rescue efforts during World War II.
Student Feedback/Reactions:
Their response was a mix of astonishment and admiration for the altruism exhibited by their compatriots. They were particularly impressed with Mr. Beqir Qosja, who selflessly refused any form of reward, even when Avraham generously offered him money for saving his life. T
Dr. Lala rated the overall student/visitor engagement as commendable, leading to openly shared thoughts, ideas and insightful reflections. She personally found it exceedingly inspiring to meet a real-life hero. His example and testimony motivated her to design a Holocaust education lesson to preserve other examples of bravery, dedication, humanism, love and sacrificial risk of one’s own life. She met Mr. Qosja several times before interviewing him before her students. She is also planning to bring her students to visit his house to help them form deeper and tangible connections to history and its importance.
Mr. Qoqja’s involvement in such a vivid experience was also beneficial. Having an opportunity to share his story with future generations helped him reflect on the memories and choices made by his family. He was inspired by their example of courage and compassion to those whose existence was in danger.
This rich learning experience was important for several reasons:
It helped everyone bridge the gap between stories of the past and their impact on the present
It fostered a healthy connection across generations
It defined the value of identifying and growing in values that give life and abundance for everyone in the communities where we live whether temporarily or permanently
Finally, students showed particular enthusiasm for their nation’s contemporary cultural ties with Israel, particularly those with Albanian Jews who have relocated here.
Long-term implications and Future Initiatives for Albanian-Jewish Cultural Exploration
Currently in Albania, there are compelling engagement dynamics to permanently honor and document the history of saving Jews within its territory. The primary challenge is the insufficiency of funds to facilitate these activities. In addition to a memorial in the country’s capital, the government has just approved the establishment of two museums: the “Besa Museum” in Tirana and the “Hebrew Museum in Vlora.”
Comments