The Embassy of Israel in Tirana has recently opened, in the presence of PM Rama, an unprecedented exhibition of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Masterpieces of Modigliani, Degas, Mattis, Van Dongen and so many other names can be found under one roof in Tirana. 

This exhibition “From Bohemianism to Eternity” is presented at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) in Tirana, on the occasion of Israel’s 77th anniversary and was possible thanks to an Israeli businessman, Mr. Amir Kabiri, the president of MTA Group that enabled us to share his private art collection.

It is a grand gesture to the Albanian government and to the Albanian people for the beautiful long-lasting friendship between our peoples and countries.

The Albanian Daily News took this opportunity and had an interview with the Israeli Ambassador to Tirana, Galit Peleg asking her about the intensive activities between Albania and Israel over the last months. During this time, the two countries have witnessed a marked intensification in bilateral activity between. "The relationship between our two countries is steadily improving, with increased engagement across multiple levels—political, economic, and cultural."

In addition, there is a noticeable increase in the number of Israeli businesses exploring opportunities in Albania, and Israeli tourists are beginning to discover the country in greater numbers, said the Ambassador: "The buzz in Israel is clear: Albania is becoming a sought-after destination. It’s good for business, it’s good for culture, and it’s certainly good for our bilateral relations."

Further Ms. Peleg said as her country faces rising antisemitism and threats to its security, they are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of those who stand with Israelis. "Albania has long been, and continues to be, a beacon of hope in this regard."

According to the Ambassador, in these trying times, Albania has shown what it means to stand on the right side of history—not just as a friend of Israel, but as a nation that upholds the universal values of humanity and justice.

"It is our duty to remind our future generations the human deeds of Albanian people and we have to teach them that “Never Again” is not a slogan—it’s a promise. A promise that must be taught, remembered, and defended. We owe it to the past, and even more so, to the future," said the Israeli Ambassador to Albania in the following interview:

- Your Excellency, there has recently been intensive activities between Albania and Israel. Please what could you say about this and shed some of light of their highlights and content?

- In recent months, we have witnessed a marked intensification in bilateral activity between Israel and Albania. The relationship between our two countries is steadily improving, with increased engagement across multiple levels—political, economic, and cultural.

There have been several high-level visits, including those by President Isaac Herzog, members of the Israeli government, Knesset members, and other senior officials to Tirana. These visits reflect a growing mutual interest and commitment to deepening our ties.

But it’s not just politics. The momentum is visible in business and tourism as well. There is a noticeable increase in the number of Israeli businesses exploring opportunities in Albania, and Israeli tourists are beginning to discover the country in greater numbers. The buzz in Israel is clear: Albania is becoming a sought-after destination. It’s good for business, it’s good for culture, and it’s certainly good for our bilateral relations.

Adding to this dynamic is the recent launch of direct flights between our countries, which began in April. Just a month in, and flights for the summer are already fully booked—a testament to the growing interest and connection between our peoples.

f10 Albanian PM Edi Rama recently received the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor from President Herzog

PM Rama and spouse Linda Rama, Ambassador Peleg (3rd from the left) and Israeli businessman Amir Kabiri (right) at the COD exhibition

All I can say is: it’s about time!

- As follow up what 2025 will bring and how much hopeful are you for a new stage in the bilateral ties between Albania and Israel, and how quality will turn into quantity, I mean economic exchanges especially at these times of crises (the Israel-Hamas war and global increase of tariffs by the US)?

-Bilateral economic relations between Israel and Albania are steadily strengthening. There is growing interest from businesses on both sides, and concrete steps are being taken to deepen cooperation in key sectors.

In July, the Embassy is organizing an official visit of the Israeli Minister of Energy to Albania. He is expected to be accompanied by a business delegation focused on opportunities in the energy and water sectors, reflecting our shared interest in sustainable development and innovation.

Our collaboration in the medical field is also expanding. A significant project is underway between Sheba Medical Center in Israel and the Mother Teresa Hospital in Tirana, aimed at enhancing healthcare services and medical training. In addition, a meaningful initiative by the Israeli civil NGO SasaSeton is bringing joy and support to hospitalized children by building two fully-equipped classrooms inside the hospital. This project is being carried out in close cooperation with the Albanian Ministries of Health and Education.

One of the most exciting recent developments is the official designation of Albania as a preferred country by MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation. As part of this growing partnership, just last week, in collaboration with the Albanian Minister of Education, we sent a group of 12 teachers to Israel for a seminar on special education.

Furthermore, two weeks ago, we hosted an Israeli agricultural specialist in Tirana. In cooperation with the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, we are working on establishing an Israeli model farm in Albania. This project aims to train local farmers in advanced techniques and improve the quality and productivity of Albanian agriculture.

These initiatives reflect the strong foundation of trust and mutual benefit that is shaping the future of Israeli-Albanian relations. The momentum is real, and we are excited for what lies ahead.

- As rarely with any country, Israel authorities appreciate and honor highly the protection of Jews during the Nazi occupation in Albania. Please why does this happen and the message it conveys to the two people and the world public opinion? And how come that at a time of war Israel finds time to pay tribute once more to the Albanian people?

- Israel does not forget its friends—especially in difficult times like these. As we face rising antisemitism and threats to our security, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of those who stand with us. Albania has long been, and continues to be, a beacon of hope in this regard.

Albania’s commitment to fighting antisemitism is not just symbolic—it is consistent, principled, and courageous. On April 7th, this was recognized in a most meaningful way: Prime Minister Edi Rama received the Presidential Medal of Honor from President Isaac Herzog, the highest civilian award Israel can bestow. Prime Minister Rama humbly accepted it on behalf of the Albanian people—and rightfully so.

But our friendship did not begin in World War II, nor did it end there. It started long before, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, and it continues to grow stronger to this day.

Over the past year and a half, Israel has faced one of the most challenging periods in its history. Throughout this time, the Albanian government has stood firm—condemning antisemitism, denouncing terrorism, and standing by Israel when it mattered most. For that, we are deeply appreciative.

- How do you assess Albanian stance on the war, especially two points: First, Rama declared in Tel Aviv that "There is no peace with Hamas". Secondly, the PM declared that the solution is two states: Israel and Palestina?

- From the very beginning of the war—indeed, immediately after the first horrifying details of the October 7th massacre emerged—Albania took a deeply human, compassionate, and yet responsible stance. The brutal news from Israel that day, and the continued updates of unimaginable atrocities, could not leave any sane and moral person indifferent, regardless of their political views.

Many leaders around the world expressed shock and sympathy in those initial hours. However, as Israel responded and took action to defend its citizens, international reactions became more complex and, at times, divided.

What stood out in Albania was something more profound than just human empathy. Albania demonstrated a clear and principled moral stance—unwavering in its condemnation of terrorism. The Albanian government has been firm and consistent, both in its bilateral relations and on the international stage, in speaking out against acts of terror and those who perpetrate and support them—from Iran to its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and others.

This clarity, this moral courage, has not gone unnoticed. In these trying times, Albania has shown what it means to stand on the right side of history—not just as a friend of Israel, but as a nation that upholds the universal values of humanity and justice.

- I have a concern regarding the future: how will this heritage of the respect of Albanian people will pass over to the younger generation in Israel as Albania is a small country but carried out a big deed?

- Our generation carries a sacred duty—to ensure that the next generations not only hear the words “Never Again,” but truly understand what they mean. Too often, we repeat this phrase as a slogan, but do we take the time to explain its weight, its history, and its urgent relevance? How can we expect the young to grasp its importance when they haven’t lived through the horrors it refers to—and, God willing, never will?

But then came October 7th.

In those terrible hours and the days that followed, we were forced to confront a chilling glimpse of what it means when the lessons of “Never Again” are forgotten or ignored. The brutal massacre, the hatred unleashed, and the barbarity shown—this was not just an attack on Israel. It was an attack on everything that “Never Again” is supposed to stand for.

And the hatred hasn’t stopped. We are now witnessing a dangerous and frightening rise in antisemitism around the world. Just last night, two employees of the Israeli Embassy were murdered as they left an event organized by a Jewish organization in Washington, D.C.—a city that should symbolize safety, dialogue, and mutual respect.

Is this what “Never Again” looks like?

Clearly, we have work to do. It is our duty to remind our future generations the human deeds of Albanian people and we have to teach them that “Never Again” is not a slogan—it’s a promise. A promise that must be taught, remembered, and defended. We owe it to the past, and even more so, to the future. /ADN