By Enela Lamnica, Tv7 Albania

The Ambassador of Israel in Albania, Noah Gal Gendler, gave an interview for TV7, with the journalist Enela Lamnica, confirming once again that the friendship between the two countries is getting stronger.

What makes Albania and Israel together today?

Gal Gendler: This is a common story and it is about how you defended Jews during World War II, before and after. We are grateful to you and this is the main pillar of our relationship. And today, your state is very friendly to our state and that serves us for the relationship.

You have called Albania a torch of tolerance. Do you think this example should be followed by everyone?

Gal Gendler: Definitely should. This story must be told everywhere. We did our part this year when we translated the curriculum in Israel for the salvation of Jews in Albania into Albanian in order to introduce it to high school students in Albania. When I talk to Albanians, this story is clear to Albanians, but it is not clear to the world. So we have to show it to everyone together.

So Albania and Israel have a good relationship also due to historical circumstances, the attitude of Albanians towards Jews. What is your consideration for Albanians?

Gal Gendler: The reason why I am here and why I wanted to be the ambassador of this country is because of the great appreciation we have for Albanians. We just talked about it and now it is our duty to use this beautiful story to promote our relations, not only political-diplomatic relations, but also trade-economic ones, things related to culture and science and everything that is important for both countries.

How do you think enough has been done to raise the awareness of Albanians but also of the Israeli community in Albania about the Holocaust.

Gal Gendler: I think in Israel we have done our part and I believe that 70% of high school students in Israel have studied the history of the rescue of Jews by Albanians. Definitely we can do more and try for this as I showed for the translation of the curriculum in Albanian. We help the Albanian authorities in other parts of the world, telling this story in Washington, New York and Europe. Very soon we will no longer have any Holocaust survivors to testify, we must try hard to tell this story. We want to achieve peace.

We as television and as staff, have prayed for Israel and that there be no loss of human life, from the conflicts with Israel and Palestine. What do you want for the people of Israel?

Gal Gendler: This is a good time to talk about it because last year we reached peace with four Arab countries, with Morocco, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. This shows us that peace can be established and we have had peace with Egypt and Jordan for many years. We pray for that. While Hamas in Gaza is not a good example because it is a terrorist organization that opposes the right of existence of Israel. We can not cooperate with a terrorist organization, but we have nothing against the Palestinians. I believe that in the future we will have peace with the Palestinians and many other countries in the Arab world.

What is the contribution and assistance that you as the Embassy have provided to our country, mainly during the months of the pandemic.

Gal Gendler: We have tried to share our knowledge of the practical part. Of course we are limited because, for example, we can not share the vaccination we have in Israel, the reserves we have, as it is a matter of contact between the supply companies and ourselves, but we try. If you get permission, we would support you with vaccinations as well. In addition to vaccination, we share practical knowledge. Given that it is successful in fighting Covid-19, the experience we have is very measured for many other countries, how to deal with the pandemic and how to get back to normal life, which is the case in Israel today.

How do you see the progress of Albania as a democratic country, and what do you wish for the future of our country?

Gal Gendler: First of all I tell you that I am surprised because I visited this country 12 years ago, when I was ambassador to Bulgaria, and the difference is very clear. Democracy here is very much alive. Just a few weeks ago you had the general election and everything went smoothly. In my country, it is important for us to strengthen bilateral relations. I believe that as soon as the pandemic is over, we will pay close attention to the economic relationship, and to certain topics such as agriculture, tourism and research.

Thank you and I wish you good work!