Franz-Llesh Grishaj/
Our Lady of Albanian Catholic Church
St. Mother Teresa Cultural Center
Sunday, 15 December 2024
Honorable clerics, The Provincial of the Albanian Franciscans in Shkoder, Fr. Pashko Gojcaj, and the Administrator of St. Paul’s Albanian Catholic Church, Fr. Fred Kalaj; distinguished panelists; esteemed leadership of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America, VATRA; Vice-President, Torch of Democracy recipient, poet, publicist, author, and political dissident, Mr. Alfons Grishaj; Director of the American Branches, Mr. Mond Rakaj; the renowned “Albanian Rambo,” Colonel Dritan Demiraj; fellow Vatrans; pillar of Our Lady of Albanian Catholic Church since its founding, Dr. Gjeka Gjelaj, now assisted by his lovely and accomplished wife, Rita; ladies and gentlemen; and most importantly, the cherished friends and family of the author, good afternoon!
A couple of weeks ago, I was surprised to receive a call from the Secretary of VATRA, Dr. Pashko Rrok Camaj. During our conversation, he extended a heartfelt invitation to join him in presenting his recently published memoir, Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car, to the Albanian American community here in the Metro-Detroit area. Without hesitation, I accepted this opportunity to celebrate and share in his literary endeavor.
Allow me to politely remind you that today’s event is a book promotion, designed to inspire you to explore Dr. Camaj’s work for yourselves. With that in mind, I promise to tread carefully as this will be a non-spoiler presentation! My goal is to provide a broad overview of the book while leaving you intrigued enough to dive into its pages.
Dr. Camaj’s memoir offers a powerful and realistic account of the immigrant experience, beginning with a dramatic story of how he and his twin sister, Drita, entered the United States hidden in the trunk of an American car. Truly an image that conveys the sense of desperation and fear that often accompanies the decision to flee one’s homeland in search of safety and opportunity.
Nevertheless, this story is by no means out-of-the-ordinary. The dynamics may be different, but the premise remain the same from the founding of the 13 American Colonies: the pursuit of a better life, driven by the hope of greater personal liberties and opportunities. This quest whether religious, economic, social, or political, laid the foundation for what we now recognize as the “American Dream.”
However, what makes Dr. Camaj’s memoir unique is his ability to transport readers from the present-day experiences described in the book to his beloved homeland, Malesia (an Albanian territory unjustly annexed to Montenegro by the Great Powers and later betrayed by the ruthless Stalinist dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha). Therefore, allowing them to feel as though they are traveling back in time.
Through his storytelling, you sense the immense spiritual and psychological burden the author bears as he repeatedly asks himself, “Did I wrong my forefathers by leaving the only world they had known for generations?”
In Dr. Camaj’s reflections on his experiences in the artificial state of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, readers gain insight into the resilience of ethnic Albanians, and particularly his personal encounters with ethnic, social, and religious discrimination. These challenges occurred during his adolescence, throughout his higher educational years, and during his compulsory military service. Furthermore, the author exposes an archaic system entrenched in nepotism rather than meritocracy, which ultimately hindered his aspirations of becoming a medical doctor. He describes these cumulative series of injustices as “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” marking a decisive turning point in his life.
The narrative also emphasizes the pivotal role of family, both in the homeland and in the United States. The author expresses heartfelt gratitude to the family members who supported him during his early years in America, with special acknowledgment to his sister Leze and her husband, Kola Stanaj. Additionally, love becomes part of Dr. Camaj’s journey, as the phrase “love at first sight” aptly captures the bond between him and his future wife, Sonya. Their love story unfolds with the kind of coincidence that seems destined, yet as the author subtly suggests, it was his twin sister, Drita, who played a crucial part in ensuring that this fairy tale romance would have a happy ending.
Remaining true to my word, I promise no spoilers. However, as an unapologetic Albanian nationalist, I feel compelled to highlight two stories for generations like mine, those who were not born in Albania proper or in ethnic Albanian lands, unfortunately, still under foreign subjugation.
Dr. Camaj provides a vivid account of how his grandfather, Pjetër Zeku Camaj, was brutally killed by Communist partisans. While I strongly believe this account should be read in the author’s own words, I will offer a brief historical summary of this tragic event.
February 1945 marked a dark chapter in the history of Malesia. A joint operation by Albanian Communist Partisans, led by the notorious Hodo Habibi of Kurvalesh (known as Toger Baba), and Yugoslav Communist Partisans, under the infamous Bajo Stanković, descended upon the proud highlanders of Malesia. Their mission was to prevent the highlanders under Montenegrin rule either from joining the resistance in Kelmend, led by Prek Cali, Gjergj Lul Toma, and Gjek Marash Tinaj, or supporting the Anti-Communist Uprising of Malesia e Madhe, spearheaded by Major Llesh Marashi of Shkrel, Gjon Martin Lulati, Mirot Paloka, Pjeter Gjok Bajraktari, and Lukete Marash Grishaj. It is worth noting that this was the first anti-communist uprising within the Eastern Bloc, setting the stage for a broader resistance against communist rule.
In this campaign of terror, the author’s grandfather was brutally murdered by Bajo Stanković and his cutthroats. Among the massacre’s victims were the much-beloved Albanian Franciscan patriot-scholar, Fr. Leonard Tagaj, affectionately called Pater Zefi by his parishioners in Traboin, and the vojvoda of the Vuksanlekaj clan, Vasel Mirash Camaj. The ruthless campaign also claimed the lives of Zef Miliqi Lugjuraj, Gjelosh Gjok Lajcaj (nephew of Lukete Marash Grishaj), brothers Dode and Gjergj Preka Lulgjuraj, and Kole Gjel Caku Ujkaj.
Lastly, the selfless act of the author’s father deserves to be retold and etched into the hearts, minds, and collective memory of our people, especially the youth. The story of Rrok Pjetër Zeku, a true peacemaker, exemplifies the Albanian ethos of Besa. More than just a pledge or an oath, Besa embodies honor, hospitality, valor, fidelity, compassion, forgiveness, and charity. Rrok’s story stands as a powerful testament to these enduring values, demonstrating how the timeless principles of an ancient people continue to find profound expression in today’s world.
“In conclusion, I firmly believe that the affirmation by the author’s son, Chris, “We are the double As now, American and Albanian,” validates that the family’s legacy will continue to thrive in the New World, just as it has endured for centuries in the Old. Furthermore, Dr. Camaj’s memoir is an inspiring American success story; a testament to what hard work, determination, and faith in Almighty God can achieve, even when the journey begins in the trunk of an American car.
Allow me to close with a quote from the author’s father, whose words continue to inspire him to this day: “You did well, my Coco!”