Through a solemn ceremony, attended by the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Noah Gentler, as well as leaders of the Jewish-Albanian Community, the President of the Republic, Ilir Meta decorated on Wednesday with the high title "Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg" the Chairwoman of the Jewish-American Committee (AJC), Ms. Avital Leibovich.

This decoration came as a sign of gratitude for the upliftment of the Albanian nation in the State of Israel and in the United States of America, standing out as a strong voice in support of Albania and Kosovo. Also, she was decorated in appreciation for the uninterrupted promotion of the unique contribution of the Albanians for the protection and rescue of the Jews during the dark period of the Holocaust.

In his greeting speech to Mrs. Leibovich and those present at the decoration ceremony, the President of the Republic said:

"I am honoured and deeply happy to have organized this award ceremony to give one of the highest titles in our country to the Director of the Jewish-American Committee, Ms. Avital Leibovich.

The relationship and cooperation between the structures of the Jewish-American Committee (AJC) in the United States and the Albanian-American community for their integration into joint economic and political projects, both in the United States and in Israel, is essential to us: for Albania as well as for Albanians wherever they live.

Cooperation with the AJC has promoted important Albanian issues of common interest, lobbied for Kosovo's independence and international recognition, and continues to assist with lobbying in the United States Congress and the US Senate for the benefit of Albanians.

Ms. Leibovich has lobbied on behalf of the AJC for many sensitive issues such as: global diplomacy and the Albanian model of coexistence and religious tolerance.

To this day, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be a hot topic in world politics, the AJC's global reach and influence strengthens religious dialogue across the planet.

To serve the goal of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East, the AJC has further promoted and exalted the rare example of the Albanian people in sheltering and rescuing Jews who fled during the dark days of the Holocaust and the heartless atrocities of committed by Nazi Germany during World War II.

The AJC has included in the international agenda, by presenting to the committees of the United States Congress, Albanian issues, as well as those related to human rights, national minorities and other issues.

Albania greatly appreciates this relationship, which also serves the purpose of building even stronger ties between Albania and the United States, as well as the friendly relations between the Albanian nation and the Israeli people, which culminated in the recognition of the independent state and sovereign of Kosovo.

I would like to congratulate Ms. Leibovich for the idea and her proposal to open the AJC office in Tirana, so that the Balkan countries are represented and mark a concrete step in further strengthening our close and friendly historical ties!” Meta said.