Rafaela Prifti
Foto: Dritan Haxhia/
The Gala evening hosted by Albanian American Relations Council (AARC USA) last night at Gotham Hall in New York City was a tribute to the resilient spirit and remarkable achievements of the Albanian community in diplomacy, business and culture but primarily, a call to action. “We have seen the cost of complacency,” remarked Martin Vulaj, President of AARC, placing emphasis on the inactivity of the community at large following the victories of independence of Kosova and US recognition of its statehood in 2008.
The event drew a distinguished crowd of international dignitaries, Presidents of Albania and Kosova, US Congressman, business magnates and influential public figures, and other notables. The evening honored a number of prominent and leading figures in the community.
“Jimmy Xhema was our model of how to make things happen,” said Martin in his introduction of the Outstanding Contribution Award Kaloresi i Skenderbeut. Accepting the word on Jimmy’s behalf, his friend of 36 years and protégé, President of Vatra, Dr. Elmi Berisha called him a powerful force, “the second Konica” of the modern era. “Following the war and years of involvement in foreign policy, I now am clear-eyed about never ceasing our work in the national interests of Albanians.”
The Pan Albanian Federation of America Vatra proudly supports the vital importance of advocacy by the Albanian American Relations Council. As the oldest organization of Albanians, with a proud historic legacy, Vatra has a deep understanding not only of the involvement of the Albanian Americans in the US, but also of the work it takes to foster strong relationships between our countries and the need for a growing political engagement.