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Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. (AP) Last update - 19:55 20/05/2008 Israeli historians gather in Albania to study how country's Jews escaped Holocaust By The Associated Press Tags: Israel, Holocaust, Albania Israeli and European historians gathered in Albania Tuesday to study how the country rescued its tiny Jewish population from the Holocaust. "The heroic rescue of Jews in Albania is very exceptional," said Mordechai Arbell, of the World Jewish Congress. "Jews have been saved in Albania for almost 2,000 years. The special harmonious life of the religious communities in this country must be an example to the world." Advertisement Some 1,200 Jewish residents and refugees from other Balkan countries were hidden by Albanian families during World War II, according to official records. Albania was occupied between 1939 to 1943 by fascist Italy, followed by Nazi Germany until 1944. Resistance fighters who helped liberate the country formed the communist party that ruled Albania until 1990. Conference organizers said the event was aimed at gathering information on how Albania became a haven for persecuted Jews - a development that has received little international attention because Albania remained isolated for decades under communism. Albanian Jewry is the only Jewish community in Europe whose numbers even grew under German occupation, said Dan Michman, professor of Modern Jewish History at Israel's Bar-Ilan University. The two-day conference was opened by Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. About 300 Jews were living in Albania at the collapse of communism in 1990, but most have since emigrated to the United States and Israel Bookmark to del.icio.us   Slamming Obama McCain uses speech to AIPAC to criticize Obama for willingness to meet U.S. foes. Soldier kidnapping Three Israeli Arabs charged with planning to kidnap, kill soldier.   1.   John & Jim Belushi Albanian American 20:39  |  * BEN JABO 20/05/08   2.   God Bless the Albanians, the Danes! Well, the Poles...? 20:42  |  bat yam 20/05/08   3.   I like to know, how many Jews 20:48  |  Dav 20/05/08   4.   Albanian pro-Jewish action rooted in their Bektashi faith 21:50  |  An Expert 20/05/08   5.   ALBANIAN `MUSLIMS` SAVED JEWS. AND WHAT THEY GOT IN RETURN ?????? 22:21  |  JACKAL 20/05/08   6.   Saving of Jews by Albanians rooted in their Bektashi tradition 23:23  |  An Expert 20/05/08   7.   God bless the Albanians & the Danes! Well as for the Poles...@!#$ 23:28  |  bat yam 20/05/08   8.   JACKAL, where ARE they??? 23:34  |  Akiva P 20/05/08   9.   #2 Jackal: Bektashis seen borderline heretics by m`stream Islam 00:00  |  An Expert 21/05/08   10.   Albania Not islamic anymore 00:05  |  from an albanian 21/05/08   11.   Thanks, Expert 00:52  |  Listener 21/05/08   12.   Wikipedia now used as reference lol 01:24  |  A wikipedia editor 21/05/08   13.   Jackal - your hatred prevents you 01:25  |  ChanahS 21/05/08   14.   Bozo, @# 12,"wikipedia editor"... 02:57  |  Akiva P 21/05/08   15.   About 1800 jews were saved most of them were non natives 03:21  |  from an albanian 21/05/08   16.   Akiva, a bad sport 05:21  |  Wikipedia editor 21/05/08   17.   Chanah, what about your hatred 05:38  |  Wikipedia editor 21/05/08   18.   It is about people, not Islam 10:13  |  Slibovitz 21/05/08   19.   Albanian Christians too saved the Jews 20:29  |  Another Expert 21/05/08   20.   #12 Wiki Editor - Let`s forget Wikipedia for the moment 01:55  |  * BEN JABO 22/05/08   21.   Wiki Editor - I am eagerly awaiting your comments 06:56  |  * BEN JABO 22/05/08   22.   one..haji Bektash 23:17  |  Dervish 02/06/08

Read & React Who didn't attend New York's pro-Israel march? Israelis Responses: 176 Doctors identify three IDF soldiers among remains handed over by Hezbollah Responses: 137 John McCain: U.S. is committed to preventing a second Holocaust Responses: 149 Barak: Hamas is exhibiting signs of distress Responses: 88 Rosner's Domain New Guest: Why educate child as Jew when he is not Jewish? McCain's real enemy: Iran or Obama? (WTR) Poll: What political option is better for Israel? The ultimate challenge for Pastor Hagee McCain's Defense Sec(?) isn't sure about recognizing Israel (WTR) More Headlines 23:33 U.S., UN express concern over Israel's plan for 800 new E. Jerusalem homes 02:39 Egypt tries to thwart Israel's plans in Europe 01:05 Olmert begins U.S. visit; set to meet with AIPAC, Bush 02:16 Doctors identify three IDF soldiers among remains handed over by Hezbollah 01:37 Natalie Portman to pitch Jewish-funded youth village in Rwanda 18:35 Three Israeli Arabs charged with planning to kidnap, kill soldier 23:56 Senior IDF officer loses 'top secret' security documents 01:57 With primary in sight, Kadima chiefs scurry to drum up support 02:49 In about-face, government may open doors to Falashmura immigration 20:19 U.S. imam fighting deportation talks of torture in Israeli detention 21:56 Israel lets Israeli Arabs into Jenin for first time since 2000 23:38 Despite Shas threats, Bar On says won't increase child welfare payments Previous Editions Select Day 02 jun 01 jun 30 may 29 may 28 may 27 may 26 may 25 may 23 may 22 may 21 may 20 may

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