Rafaela Prifti/
The New York City Hall hosted the 16th year of Kosova Independence at the Council Chambers on Monday evening. Mark Gjonaj, former Councilmember and organizer, delivered the main remarks calling on the United States, its partners, and the international community to immediately cease all of Serbia’s actions that undermine Kosova and the Balkans.” He called attention to the fight for freedom by the Kosova Liberation Army and the power of endurance. “On this 16th anniversary, we are reminded of the hurdles and challenges Kosova has faced to emerge from the war as a new country founded on the Albanian fight for freedom. This is an independence that was not won, but was paid for by decades of blood, sweat, and tears,” said Gjonaj. By highlighting the violent acts committed by Serbs in the course of the recent months as in the past, he emphasized the importance of “bringing these war criminals to justice.”
As the US representative of a Congressional district with a majority Albanian population, the event’s special guest, Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez called for the end of impunity for the Serb violators in order to hold them accountable before the law, as she is a co-sponsor of Resolution 36.
During the event, New York City Council Member Robert Holden presented proclamations to three honorees with remarkable achievements and contributions in serving the community: Ismet Dedushaj, Imam Ferid Bedrolli and Albana Krasniqi. While Mr. Dedushaj and Imam Bedrolli thanked the hosts for the recognition, Ms. Krasniqi could not be there in person. Ana Mani, Assistant to the Ambassador at Kosova General Consulate in New York accepted the proclamation on Ms. Krasniqi’s behalf.
The organizer thanked the hosts: Speaker Adrienne Adams, Councilmembers Robert Holden, David Carr, Joseph Borelli, Kristy Marmorato, special guest, Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Head of Mission at Consulate General of the Republic of Kosova Blerim Reka, Deputy Ambassador of Albania to the UN Arian Spase, dignitaries from Kosova: Ilir Ferati, Mayor of Istog, Ali Nimanaj, Kushtrim Buleshkaj, Arben Kabashi, Driton Alihajdaraj, the NY City Council Staff.
Performances by three youth dance groups: Meso Shqip, Shkolla Shqipe Alba Life and Albanian School Rrenjet Shqiptare showcased traditional Albanian costumes and folklore.
Vatra’s Council Member Ibrahim Kolari was there and was recognized by honorable Mark Gjonaj. Vatra’s Board member, Angjelina Nika, Great Master, was also dance director of the performance group of Albanian School – Rrënjët Shqiptare – Albanian Roots. Representatives and members of organizations such as Dibra Association, Plave Guci Foundation, Albanian American Association Skenderbej, Albanian Knights NJ were among many who joined in the celebration of Kosova’s 16th anniversary of independence hosted by NY City Hall.