Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania was honored on Sept. 26 at a special event “Bridging Nations: A Tribute to Prime Minister Edi Rama” held during the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week.

The ceremony, which took place at the 610 Loft and Garden in New York City, celebrated Rama’s pivotal role in promoting unity among Balkan countries and fostering closer ties with other European nations and the United States, as well as his dedicated efforts to protect the rights of minority communities and fight anti-Semitism.

The event, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement in partnership with the Center for Jewish Impact and B’nai B’rith International, brought together diplomats, international leaders, and representatives of Jewish communal organizations.

In his remarks, B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin paid tribute to Albania for its “exemplary acts of courage in protecting and saving Jews during the Holocaust.” Further, Mariaschin congratulated the prime minister, “whose own story of being a champion for human rights, fighting anti-Semitism and being a friend of Israel, made him a worthy recipient of the award that was conferred on him.”

Rama delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting Albania’s longstanding reputation as a bastion of religious diversity and coexistence, as well as its unique historical role as a safe haven for Jews during the Holocaust.

“No one who cherishes freedom and democracy should forget that Hamas represents the worst of the anti-democratic faces of this world,” Rama said. “So those who call Gaza an open-air prison have to be told that the guards of the prison are Hamas, not Israel.”

Center for Jewish Impact Chairman and CAM Board of Governors Member Robert Singer said, “Prime Minister Rama, your efforts to protect the Jewish community, to stand against anti-Semitism, and to promote unity in the Balkan region are not just commendable, they are transformational.”

Valentina Leskaj, a former Albanian government minister and current CAM Advisory Board member, introduced Rama, saying, “As a friend of the Jewish people, I applaud you for your steadfast support of Israel, particularly after the October 7th attack, when it was a very difficult situation. At a time when anti-Semitism is rising, even in long-standing democracies, such leadership is important to defend our shared values and stand against hate.”

Another key moment of the evening was the speech delivered by Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the renowned American historian and U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

Lipstadt praised Rama’s efforts in combating hatred and advancing interfaith understanding.

“We’re joined by Albania in fighting anti-Semitism, 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 pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the CAM Global Leadership Award to Rama in recognition of his exceptional and groundbreaking contributions to the collective effort against anti-Semitism and religious prejudice of all forms, including Albania’s hosting of the Balkan Forum Against Antisemitism in 2020.

This tribute, set against the backdrop of the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week, not only honored a remarkable leader but also reinforced the importance of global solidarity and proactive leadership in forging a more harmonious world.

Previous recipients of the CAM Global Leadership Award include Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General Luis Almagro and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

CAM Chief of Staff Arthur Maserjian underscored the urgency of the gathering in opening words at Thursday’s gathering.

“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 anti-Semitism 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 U.N. was founded to prevent.”

Photos from the event are available for download via this Dropbox link. All photos are credited to: Nir Arieli.