Author: Associate Professor Dr. Florenca Stafa, History Lecturer, University of Elbasan,
Albania
Purpose: Explore King Zog's Vision and Lessons of Endurance, Advocacy and
Tolerance
Audience: 50+ University students ages 19-20
Curriculum Overview
Introduction
Dr. Stafa's research centers on World War II and the experiences of the Hebrew community during this time in Albania, so this project focused on crucial questions surrounding the sheltering of Hebrews especially during King Zog I's reign. It examined the enduring royal commitment to Jewish protection and analyzed King Zog’s civic-democratic competence and diplomacy as an example to follow at all times and ages.
Guiding Questions and Areas of Emphasis
1. What has been the attitude of Albanians towards Jews over the years?
2. Has it changed since recent conflicts?
3. Why was there special protection given to Jews by King Zog and the Albanian government?
4. What role did his commitment to encourage critical thinking play?
The project also explored agreements made by leaders at the time and investigated the
discrepancies in data regarding the actual number of Hebrews in Albania. It emphasized the impact of King Zog's legacy in advocating for tolerance and diplomacy and how that emphasis can be applied to empower today’s and future leaders and educators.
Goals and Results
In their work during the workshops, students focused on the visionary principles of King Zog,
allowing Jews into Albanian territories, issuing passports, and hiding them among the population
during the Italian and German occupations. They emphasized the economic potential of Jews as
crucial for the country's development and noted the monarch’s policies that fostered tolerance for Jewish religious rituals, including closing Jewish businesses on Shabbat in Vlora. King Zog also issued a royal decree that allowed Jewish shops to remain open during their festivals and promoted Albanian workers to facilitate their celebrations. These student inquiries provided a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew question and its significance upon a nation.
Feedback/Reactions
Students showed a keen interest in the topic, envisioning themselves as future leaders and teachers who would honor and protect people groups with diverse religious and cultural practices. They recognized how valuable their contributions could be for the entire nation.
Participants emphasized a consistent attitude of Albanian leadership towards Jews throughout history that reflected King’s Zog legacy. They contrasted that attitude with the transitional
stand of certain minorities due to current events. Students acknowledged Albania’s headship
created an enduring special relationship with Israel, highlighting its unwavering loyalty on the global stage.
In reflecting on the dynamics between Israel and Palestine, participants offered varied
perspectives:
· Some students referenced media narratives portraying Israel as inflicting the same horrors of the Holocaust's tragedy to Gaza
· Others argued that Israel’s actions are compelled by the imperative to safeguard its
geostrategic interests in the region
Finally, students argued that working on such topics required diverse source materials, especially archival sources, to make the learning more convincing. However, these materials are currently very scarce.
Long-term Implications and Future Initiatives for Albanian-Jewish Cultural Exploration
When students gain understanding on the chronological development of events and form personal opinions on various issues, the teacher has successfully fostered civic-
democratic competence, which is an important competence in students.
Lectures and workshops that facilitate these changes are beneficial because the content helps students become specifically acquainted with the current treatment of key events in history. They begin to recognize how the coherent development of attitudes and practices influences contemporary times.
Students reflected that projects like these should be available for longer periods of time—for the entire school year, as extracurricular modules, or an entire summer school where future experts, as well as those currently employed in the system can become equipped with various perspectives.
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