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Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews WW II
Besa is a code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims. It dictates a moral behavior so absolute that nonadherence brings shame and dishonor on oneself and one’s family. Simply stated, it demands that one take responsibility for the lives of others in their time of need. In Albania and Kosovo, Muslims sheltered, at grave risk to themselves and their families, not only the Jews of their cities and villages, but thousands of Jews fleeing the Nazis from other European countries. Over a five-year period, photographer Norman H. Gershman sought out, photographed, and collected these powerful and moving stories of heroism in Muslims Who Saved Jews in World War II. The book reveals a hidden period in history, slowly emerging after the fall of an isolationist communist regime, and shows the compassionate side of ordinary people in saving Jews. They acted within their true Muslim faith.
121 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 9, 2011
Not many people realize that not just Christians but also Muslims saved Jews from the Nazis during World War II. This book tells the stories of some Muslim Righteous Gentiles in Albania and Kosovo -- mostly Albania. About 2,000 Jews lived in Albania prior to the war. Although Albania was occupied first by the Italians and then by the Nazis, because of the actions of their fellow countrymen almost none of the Albanian Jews were taken. Jewish refugees also flooded into Albania from other countries, mainly Italy, Greece, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, and they received shelter as well.
From this book it appears that for the Albanians and the Muslim Kosovars, sheltering Jews was a matter of course, just something that you were expected to do. Even the then-King of Albania did his part, providing Albanian passports to 400 Viennese Jews so they could get out of the country. When he found out that the Jewish family he had formerly employed as his personal jewelers were destitute and didn't have the funds to emigrate to England like they had planned, he gave back all the jewelry they had made for him.
The author went to Albania and Kosovo and interviewed the people who had personally saved Jews, or, more often, their children or grandchildren, since many of the original heroes have passed on by now. Excellent photographs of each interviewee were included. Unfortunately, the stories were kind of lacking. They were all very short -- each less than a page, most no more than three to five paragraphs long -- and as a result not terribly detailed. When you're working off 60-year-old memories, or someone trying to recall what their long-dead mother or father told them long ago, of course it's going to very hazy. Many times they couldn't even remember the names of the Jewish people they'd helped. I think it might have been better to just have the transcripts of the interviews or something. I desperately wanted to know more, and the book left me feeling unsatisfied -- like getting up from the dinner table still hungry.
I must find more to read about Righteous Muslims.
From this book it appears that for the Albanians and the Muslim Kosovars, sheltering Jews was a matter of course, just something that you were expected to do. Even the then-King of Albania did his part, providing Albanian passports to 400 Viennese Jews so they could get out of the country. When he found out that the Jewish family he had formerly employed as his personal jewelers were destitute and didn't have the funds to emigrate to England like they had planned, he gave back all the jewelry they had made for him.
The author went to Albania and Kosovo and interviewed the people who had personally saved Jews, or, more often, their children or grandchildren, since many of the original heroes have passed on by now. Excellent photographs of each interviewee were included. Unfortunately, the stories were kind of lacking. They were all very short -- each less than a page, most no more than three to five paragraphs long -- and as a result not terribly detailed. When you're working off 60-year-old memories, or someone trying to recall what their long-dead mother or father told them long ago, of course it's going to very hazy. Many times they couldn't even remember the names of the Jewish people they'd helped. I think it might have been better to just have the transcripts of the interviews or something. I desperately wanted to know more, and the book left me feeling unsatisfied -- like getting up from the dinner table still hungry.
I must find more to read about Righteous Muslims.
February 9, 2017
It is possible to be good in the face of evil
Moving set of recollections by Albanian Muslims who saved Jews from Nazi oppression and who have been counted by Yad V'Shem as being among the righteous. BESA which might best be translated as "obligation" is an expression of their Muslim faith which made it natural for them to harbour and protect Jews not only from Albania, but from other European countries. Many of the stories have happy endings in that the Jews survived and moved on to other countries including Israel.
Indeed similar stories could be told of Kurds and Iranians.
Recently I read and reviewed Robert Satloff's Among the Righteous Lost Stories From The Holocausts Long Reach Into Arab Lands where he tried a similar search in Arab lands. Unfortunately the Arabs for various reasons have suppressed much about this period of time and the rounding up of Jews and others into North African Nazi concentration camps and the story there is not as cheering.
The book is a simple affirmation of decent humanity. Text is offset with excellent photographs of the persons involved. Recommended as a library book read, coffee table or on display if one has the room. Very enriching to read but its a large unusual size for a bookshelf. (If your family history touches this narrative it should be a must buy!)
Moving set of recollections by Albanian Muslims who saved Jews from Nazi oppression and who have been counted by Yad V'Shem as being among the righteous. BESA which might best be translated as "obligation" is an expression of their Muslim faith which made it natural for them to harbour and protect Jews not only from Albania, but from other European countries. Many of the stories have happy endings in that the Jews survived and moved on to other countries including Israel.
Indeed similar stories could be told of Kurds and Iranians.
Recently I read and reviewed Robert Satloff's Among the Righteous Lost Stories From The Holocausts Long Reach Into Arab Lands where he tried a similar search in Arab lands. Unfortunately the Arabs for various reasons have suppressed much about this period of time and the rounding up of Jews and others into North African Nazi concentration camps and the story there is not as cheering.
The book is a simple affirmation of decent humanity. Text is offset with excellent photographs of the persons involved. Recommended as a library book read, coffee table or on display if one has the room. Very enriching to read but its a large unusual size for a bookshelf. (If your family history touches this narrative it should be a must buy!)
September 30, 2020
Great book. The title is a little misleading, because Albanians I would say associate themselves as Albanians first and religious 2nd. It is not difficult to believe that in one family they can celebrate a Christian holiday and a Muslim one days from each other. Besa means promise and giving your word to someone. It’s not a Muslim Albanian thing, but just plain an simple Albanian thing. It’s a code of honor all Albanians know. Either way, loved the documentary and the book. As an Albanian marrying someone Jewish it makes me proud of my country and the people.
December 26, 2025
I visited Albania and learned several tales of Jews harbored by Albanians during the war. I also visited a Bektashi mosque in Tirana and learned a bit about this Muslim sect, which I really liked. Did quite a bit of reading about Albania upon my return from this interesting trip.
April 9, 2019
Beautiful remembrance of the Albanian Muslims who saved Jews and others during World War II because of the principle of Besa. Wonderful!
June 26, 2011
A wonderful book about Muslims who rescued Jews during WWII. The book features portraits of the rescuers and their stories next to it. The stories are amazing and remind us that in the midst of evil, people can stand up and risk their lives for others. I highly recommend this book.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews