Albanians for America (AFA) proudly welcomes the introduction of H. Con. Res. 26 in the U.S. House of Representatives — a historic resolution calling for an end to impunity for Serbian sexual war crimes committed during the 1999 Kosovo war, and honoring the courage of U.S. citizen and survivor Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, alongside thousands of others impacted by gender-based violence.

This resolution is the result of tireless advocacy by the Albanian-American community. We extend special recognition to Vera Mjeku, whose persistent efforts and moral clarity were instrumental in advancing this cause, and we are proud that Albanians for America (AFA) played an essential role in pushing this resolution forward.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Julie Johnson and Congressman Keith Self for sponsoring the resolution and for their strong leadership in standing with survivors and seeking accountability.

Sexual violence as a tool of war is a crime against humanity. For far too long, survivors like Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman have waited for justice. This resolution marks a powerful turning point in acknowledging their suffering and demanding action.

Albanians for America remains committed to advocating for truth, justice, and the dignity of all survivors. We call on the U.S. Government and international actors to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and that justice becomes a lived reality—not just a promise.

Justice delayed cannot be justice denied.

https://www.congress.gov/…/house-concurrent…/26/text

GJERGJ KASTRIOTI – SKENDERBEU “VJEN” NË BRONX MË 4 MAJ 2025

April 6, 2025

By Albana Muçaj  Author

On the evening of April 2, 2025, the grandeur of Cipriani, located at 25 Broadway in New York City, set the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring the extraordinary career of internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Fadil Berisha. The Red Carpet Gala was a heartfelt tribute to his legacy in photography—as well as a joyful celebration of his birthday—surrounded by friends, family, and global icons.

A Legacy Celebrated with Honors

The most poignant moment of the night came when Mayor of Prishtina, Perparim Rama, presented Berisha with the Key to the City of Prishtina, honoring his decades-long contribution to art, culture, and the Albanian identity. Berisha received “World Changers Award”, by Gabriele Andreoli. He was further recognized by Ambassador of Albania to the U.S., Ervin Bushati, who presented a certificate that read: “Artist i mrekullueshëm, atdhetar i palodhur”—“A magnificent artist, a tireless patriot.”

The evening also featured video tributes from Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo and legendary music executive Clive Davis, both honoring Berisha’s lasting legacy and global influence.

An Iconic Guest List

The red carpet glittered with high-profile guests, including:

• Martha Stewart, lifestyle entrepreneur
• Beverly Johnson, supermodel and trailblazer
• Candy Spelling, producer and philanthropist
• Carol Alt, model and actress
• Katie Ford, fashion and arts patron
• Carmen Dell’Orefice, iconic supermodel
• Nikki Haskell, television host and socialite
• Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe
• Evie Evangelou
• Barbara Winston
• David Hryck
• Stacey Schieffelin
• Ginni Conquest
• Esther Swan

Their presence underscored the widespread admiration and respect Berisha has earned throughout his career and across industries.

A Night of Elegance, Dance, and Emotion

The evening opened with heartfelt remarks by Eliza Dushku Palandjian.

A standout moment came from Tony Dovolani, professional dancer and choreographer from Dancing with the Stars, who presented Berisha with a gift of two beautiful live dance performances, brought to life by his dancers—a graceful tribute to their long-standing friendship and Fadil’s creative spirit.

Emina Çunmulaj, model and philanthropist, guided the evening with intimate on-stage interviews and reflections, capturing the emotional core of the celebration.

“This wasn’t just a celebration of my work—it was a tribute to the people, the passion, and the roots that shaped me,” said Fadil Berisha. “To be surrounded by so much love, talent, and cultural pride on my birthday is the greatest gift I could receive.”

An evening of art featuring incredible performances by world-renowned Albanian artists like Inva Mula, Gent Tukiçi, Deshira Ahmeti, Parashqevi Simaku, and more.

Video Player

The Fadil Berisha Red Carpet Gala was more than an event—it was a defining moment in the celebration of legacy, beauty, and the power of art to unite us all.

Friends of Fadil Gala organizing Committee :

• Fotini Allteni Kokeri – Philanthropist, General Sponsor
• Beti Beno & Eva Burnazi AAWO Motrat Qiriazi.
• Nevila Dudaj – Entrepreneur Adriatik Tours LLC & Adriatik Hotel in Durres
• Deshira Ameti – soprano
• Inva Mula- Soprano
• Shqipe Namani – Namani Celebrity Make Up Artist, Namani’s Beauty, Fadil’s Manager.
• Belisa Vneshta – Event Planner -BV consulting and Events
• Blerti Talelli – Videographer & Producer, Talelli Production Company
• Donika Bardha- Entrepreneur- Bardha Winery
• Emina Cunmulaj – Model & Philanthropist
• Eliza Dushku -Hollywood Actress
• Mimoza Bakraqi – Royal Backdrops LLC
• Ismer Mjeku & Vera Mjeku -Publishing Entrepreneur
• Roberta Panariti – Albanians Fighting Cancer Foundation

Here is a Booklet of all of those who organized and supported the event

Fadil Berisa Birthday

Këshilli rinor i QKSHA-Struga është iniciativa më e re në organizatën tonë, që ka bërë bashkë në një darkë pune djem e vajza, të cilët diskutuan për këtë ide dhe angazhimin e tyre direkt në Folenë e Shqiponjës, aty ku nevoja për kontributin e tyre është më se e nevojshme.

Kryetari Sinan Alimi foli para të rinjëve duke i inkurajuar ato, madje duke ju premtuar se në të ardhmen një përfaqësues i këshillit rinor do të jetë edhe pjesë e Bordit drejtues të Organizatës ku do të përfaqësojë idetë dhe kërkesat e rinisë. Ai apeloi që edhe të rinjë të tjerë të vijnë e angazhojen në Organizatë.

Në kujdesin e imamit Gazi Aga mbrëmja u zhvillua edhe me disa aktivitete të tjera edukative, analiza, propozime dhe në fund për argëtim me lojën Kahoot!

Interesi o të rinjve duket në nivel, tashmë ato kanë hapsirat e tyre në QKSHA-Struga dhe së shpejti do të jenë edhe pjesë e vendimarrjes.

Në kuadër të zhvillimeve të fundit mund të theksojmë se tashmë edhe kafeneja e Organizatës ka filluar me punë në orar të caktuar dhe mirëpret të gjithë antarët.

Bordi drejtues zhvilloi takimin e radhës, me analizë për zhvillimet e fundit dhe planet në vijim.

QKSHA-Struga vazhdon misionin e saj, e që është uniteti, tradita dhe kultura jonë e shejntë shqiptare!

Marrë nga “QKSHA-Struga”

Please RSVP using the link below to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/dzBXYcYwEXUdLAp46

Erigen Cela earned his bachelor’s in Health Sciences at Oakland University in 2018. He later began medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, where he is currently a fourth-year student. Erigen is passionate about psychiatry, with a focus on addressing gaps in mental health care. He aims to advance psychiatric support, promote awareness, and advocate for enhanced mental health resources in his community and beyond.

Gani Abazi, MD MPH, from Pejë, Kosovë/o, has a strong background in health policy and humanitarian efforts. He earned his medical degree from Prishtina University and later pursued a Master of Public Health at Harvard as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. He conducted neurosurgery research at Boston Children’s Hospital and played a key role in health policy reforms in Kosovo. Dr. Abazi co-founded the Gift of Life Kosova Program, facilitating life-saving cardiac surgeries for children, and helped equip Kosovar hospitals with modern medical technology from the U.S. Dr. Abazi is currently a psychiatry resident at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey.

Ermal Bojdani, MD, is a board certified psychiatrist practicing in NYC. After medical school in the Midwest, Dr. Bojdani completed residency at Harvard Medical School and dual fellowships in public and emergency psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has been on the faculty and an attending at New York Presbyterian-Columbia and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, teaching and supervising medical students and residents in the emergency room. He more recently joined the faculty at Bellevue Hospital- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he provides psychiatric coverage as an attending, teaches, and supervises residents. Most recently, he founded and is the CEO of Medical of Manhattan Corporation, where he provides care in a private practice setting.