Eulogy – Dielli

EULOGY FOR MY FATHER SULEJMAN GASHI

December 9, 2020 by dgreca

by Drilon Gashi/

Translated by Rafaela Prifti/

“Reporting for Radio Television of Kosova, Sulejman Gashi, New York” – this was how my father signed off his live reporting for RTK news broadcast. In the 1990s a particular kind of audience sitting in coffee shops and living rooms around the country followed his reporting with intense anticipation. The mounting escalation of Serbia’s repressive regime gave cause to people’s fears for their future. An information vacuum prevailed in the country following the extreme measures of the Serbian regime to shut down the Prishtina Radio Television and the only daily newspaper in the Albanian language Rilindja. The shutdowns meant thousands of layoffs for the employees including my father, who were left without any employment options. Shortly after my dad migrated to the United States, in New York. Here he pursued his vocation by providing news coverage for Albanians for more than two decades.

As a TV correspondent of New York and Washington, my father’s voice carried the promise of hope for Kosova and the Albanian diaspora in America. It was the hope for better days for Kosova, the promise that America will stand by the struggles of our homeland and the dream of a better future for Albanians.

My father reported for Kosova’s National Broadcaster RTK for 25 years. He was a guest reporter on the Kosova program of Radio Zagreb, Radio Tirana and the satellite channel of RTK, and a contributor for the newspaper Rilindja (Bujku). He co-founded the daily Albanian-American newspaper Illyria with Isuf Hajrizi and Harry Bajraktari to draw the attention of American politicians and powerful institutions to the plight of Albanians particularly in Kosova. The mission of the news outlet was to support the independence of Kosova and democratization of Albania. He was an accredited journalist with the United Nations.

Starting in 1993, Sulejman provided translation services, guidance and accompaniment to a multitude of delegations and visitors including state dignitaries, government officials and professionals from Kosova, Albania and other parts of the Balkans at the behest of the State Department. He was assigned to translate for President Bill Clinton, Secretary Madeleine Albright, Secretary Hillary Clinton and many state officials from the US and around the globe. He was team leader with the Public Information Office of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) while serving as advisor to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Bernard Kushner.

He did all this so that Kosova would be free and Serbia would put an end to the persecutions, killings and systemic expulsions of Albanians living in an independent country.

Dad used to say: “Filing a story, a report or segment that carried some hope for Kosova’s future, would brighten up my day.” And so the condolences that we have received for his passing have weighed heavy on our hearts but they also have reinforced our sense of pride on account of the life and legacy of Sulejman Gashi. We are proud of his character, professionalism, dedication, and patriotism. Most of all, we, as a family are proud of him as a husband, a son, father, brother.

His love for our mother was deep, sincere and unwavering. He respected and adored her. At times he showed his fondness with humor. Above all, he was aware that being in love with Tone, the catholic girl from Cabiq, whom he met in high school, was the most precious gift in life. He was fortunate that he was loved back by our mother intensely and boundlessly thus setting up an extraordinary example for us, their children and all who have seen their dedication to one another.

He loved his four children Saranda, Drilon, Janina and Egzon infinitely. In return, he expected our love and respect. He was loving and caring as well as strict with us. He encouraged us to be achievers in America. Our father gave us guidance in areas of academic knowledge and counsel in terms of being successful and compassionate. He was a constant mentor who taught us by example how to love Kosova and Albanians.

To me, he was more than a father. He was my idol, my best friend and no one will take his place ever.

He was very close to his parents, Elfije and Sherif. He looked after them with deep devotion, love and respect. He honored his parents as well as his birthplace Kijeva, where he invested to have the family home rebuilt after it was damaged from the war. Grandma Elfije was frequently heard singing a folk tune: “Mother has no other son like the one named Sulejman.” The Serbian paramilitary troops and regime had plundered the homes of Albanians in Kosova. As my father put it: “above the charred rooftops of Kosova, I could see the red-and-black flag flying free at last.”

My father is one of five sons of Sherif and Elfije: Sulejman, Selajdin, Abraham, Arben and Ardian. He used to say to his siblings: “There were five Frasheri brothers. Each a patriot and activist in their own right.” Indeed each of the Gashis strived to be upstanding men and walk in the footsteps of their beloved “Sule”.

His homeland of Kijeva and family name of Tahirhasan were a source of enormous pride for him exemplified in highly regarded men like Ramadan Shabani and Kajtaz Ramadani. The household of Ramadan Shabani were renowned for the elders who settled many blood feuds among the families for over a century.

Today we say farewell to Sulejman Gashi aka Sulejman Sherifi who will be also remembered as one of the great men of Kosova and the Albanian nation. My father was affectionate with all family members, relatives, friends, colleagues and his admirers. He kept in touch and wrote back to everyone in a personal way giving support and advice if asked. He enjoyed their successes and even poked fun at the right time. He showed empathy and was there for them in hard times.

I would like to address one special connection that he had. He loved America as one loves their best friend. To my father, America is the best friend of Kosova and Albanians. He made it his life’s work to solidify the special bond of America, Kosova and Albania.

My dad was passionate about life, culture, history, multiculturalism and realism of the United States. Through the State Department work and through family and personal trips, he had traveled to all the states save five, where he had seen the big cities as well as the countryside, the national parks and museums all across the nation. Some of his favorite places were New York, Washington, San Diego and Seattle. He had a soft spot for the country music and was delighted to walk in a pair of cowboys boots. He was by all possible accounts an Albanian-American. He was equally proud of his birthplace and his adopted country of the United States. He was immensely appreciative of Fan Noli and Faik Konica. His own lifework places him at the highest level of Albanian-American achievements.

This ceremony has brought together government officials, religious representatives of different faiths, and the media to honor the life and work of Sulejman Gashi which carry special significance. Let my father’s example inspire people who hold similar political views to challenge each other in search of progressive solutions, and move groups of opposite convictions to join forces in service of a common cause for the good of the people. Let his example allow believers of different faiths to engage in mutual understanding as neighbors, friends or family and put the nation above religion. Let us be uplifted by the promise of hope that my father conveyed and that will stay with his memory. Hope that Kosova and Albanians will move forward toward real progress, that Kosova and Albanians, united in their pledge to their country, will triumph over many challenges and rivals. And hope that America will back Kosova and Albanians as a manifestation of a lasting and enduring friendship.

I speak for the whole family when I say without exaggeration and full awareness that to us, the son, brother, husband and father, Sulejman Gashi was a masterpiece. An avant garde and tireless promoter of the ideals of our people, a valiant patriot, a professional and a wiseman, respected and respectful, a contemporary example for all, a beloved and devoted family man.

He truly was the embodiment of the motto that his family’s elderly Man Hasani of Caralluka lived by.

When asked why the seniority of the elderly post was bestowed upon the TahirHassan family, the old man answered: “Because there never was a dark stain in that household, because they never got mixed up with other’s men’s affairs, because not only did they memorize the rules of conduct (Kanun) but they also lived by them, they were fair in their judgment and never played favorites with the powerful or the wealthy or even their friends, they never engaged in bribery, their youth respected the elderly, they never said “ME” but “WE” – they always appreciated the councill of the fellow men (oda) and they never meddled with disputes that had been settled by the predecessors. “

Dearest dad, we are heartbroken that we have to bid farewell here in the free land of Kosova that you loved without measure and whose freedom brought you immense joy.

Here I am signing off one last time as my dad used to do at the end of his reporting, for Radio Television of Kosova, our family’s hero and the nation’s voice of hope, Sulejman Gashi! Farewell our most beloved!

EULOGY FOR ROSE KARAGJOZI

October 1, 2018 by dgreca

BY ZUDI KARAGJOZI/

I would like to thank everyone for coming here today to share my mother’s life and experiences with her family. My mother, Rose Karagjozi, was born March 4th, 1940 in Visoka, Albania. She lived in Albania during World War II and left with her family on the boats from Ulqini. My mother lived in refugee camps from 1944-1949. It was during this time that Rose was exposed to the democratic leaders of Albania, like Midhat Frasheri. Mom learned and embraced their vision for the nation. My mother’s parents were founders of Balli Kombëtar. She learned the ideals of Balli Kombëtar, which was committed to advancing the national identity and Albanianism. Rose, like my father, was determined to create a better life for the Albanian people. My mother’s focus was to see the end of communism in her lifetime. She came to the United States in 1949 with her family. They resided in an apartment in Brooklyn, New York. One day Midhat Frasheri came to visit Rose and her family. He was a close friend to the Peshkopia’s as they spent many nights together in the camps. It was believed that Frasheri was killed that night, the same time Kim Philby, the British double agent, was in New York. This death impacted my mother and reaffirmed to her the great dangers of communism.

My grandparents, Eqrem and Nekia moved their family that consisted of Adevi, Hector, Rose, Tako, Mary and later their beloved younger brother Albert, to Dearborn, Michigan. Rose attended public school and this is where my mother’s U.S patriotism developed. For Rose, she grew up during a time of change in America, where women’s rights, civil rights and humans rights were advancing. She always fought for the underdog and the little guy and was a strong advocate for women’s rights, especially in the workplace.

My mother started dating Agim Karagjozi in 1958 and were married the next year. They had three children, Zuhdi, Angel, and Shpetim. In addition, they had seven grandchildren, Billy, Matthew, Hannarose, Grace, Luke, Evan and Tyler and nieces and nephews. Each she shared a unique and special bond with.

Shortly after my parents were married, Agim joined Vatra. Due to my father’s commitments to Vatra, he was gone much of the time, leaving Rose with the children. This forced her to be more independent and strong willed. Vatra was always a big part of Rose and her family’s life and she was a staunch supporter of Agim and his efforts with Vatra. Without her constant support, my father would not be able to contribute and accomplish what he did for Vatra, Albanian lands and the Albanian diaspora.

Rose was a great listener and when she gave advice it was exactly the right solution to the given problem. Our mother had a wonderful heart and love for people. She always tried to help ones in need. Mom was a take action person and encouraged all of us to try and attain our dreams. We all valued her wisdom, generosity, caring and love.

We learned more and more about all of Rose’s qualities growing up. Starting from early on in her marriage and my life mom continued the Albanian tradition of Besa. I witnessed people from relatives, like Albert Peshkopia, to old friends, like Galip Gallixhi, coming in and out of my home feeling welcome and grateful to have a place to stay as long as they needed. This tradition of Besa characterized Rose as the benevelot person she truly was.

Another example of my mother’s big heart, is when communism fell and the conditions in Albania were dire. My mother and father worked around the clock to put together food packages and clothes to provide to the suffering people in Albania. Also, they had their real estate office as drop off point for other packages to be picked up and shipped to Albania.

Mom was a unique woman of her time. She followed her own rules and always stood for integrity. Rose was never afraid to speak out, even if the timing might not have been appropriate. Mom was also a very bright woman who made very smart business decisions, which helped keep afloat their Kara real estate business and provide for their family.

ZUDI STORY

My mother loved her children very much. She was very happy when I went into the real estate business and we would spend hours on the phone talking about different business issues I had and the economic and political issues that could affect my business. My mother cherished the moments she spent with our children, Hannarose, Grace and Luke.

Rose was very proud of her daughter, Angel who attained a law degree while being married with two toddlers, Billy and Matthew. They were my parents first grandchildren and brought great happiness to my parents. Mom was very close to the boys and was always there for them. She was very grateful she got to watch them grow up into the men they are today.

My mother was also proud that my brother who had secured a career in the insurance business and married his wife, Lori. He was the youngest child and like in many families had a special place in my mother’s heart. Evan and Tyler were a big contribution to keeping Nene young and happy.

Rose Karagjozi was a feisty, caring and empathetic wife, mother and grandmother and Aunt. In her last days mom was having great difficulty and was having outbursts. She made sure that she would not leave us with memories of her upsetting us. So she would apologize if she said anything that upset us. Mom didn’t apologize very often, but she found it very important to leave us with loving memories of her. Mom will always be remembered for her strong support to end communism and her love for the Albanian people and the lands. Rose did it her way and lived her life with no regrets. We will miss her dearly.

Also, I am glad I have this opportunity to thank Mom’s two caregivers Dorette and Laura, who took care of her and loved her very much. We will always be appreciative for it.

Eulogy for Agim Karagjozi

April 5, 2018 by dgreca

By Gjon Buçaj/

We are all gathered here on this sad occasion to bid farewell to your loved one, your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, to our dear friend Agim.

While we Vatrans and friends alike mourn his departure, we also celebrate his life of a true friend and inspiring leader that we enjoyed with him for decades.

As a friend he was honest and sincere, someone that you could fully trust. He was polite and generous with all, with friends he was kind and always had words of praise and comfort when needed, and you knew that he always meant wat he said.

As a leader Agim possessed the moral and ideological qualities that are required for leading Vatra. He never sought the position of president, but he accepted it with awareness of great responsibility, when membership elected him, having observed and appreciated his dedication to Vatra and to the Albanian cause for many years, and they recognized his commitment to keep and strengthen this organization, while respecting its Constitution and democratic principles established by its Founders and kept by dedicated members ever since. He knew that the strength of Vatra lies in the harmonious cooperation among its members and supporters, and in the commitment to the common cause of national interests, standing above party politics and operating in the spirit of the American democracy, where respect for truth, justice and fairness constitutes the inspiring moral force for progress together. This spirit qualifies Vatra as an important pillar of the strong bond with great friendship between American people and the Albanian nation.

Agim recognized the need to expand and strengthen Vatra, to prepare for gradually transferring it into the hands of young generation, a generation of men and women enriched with patriotic idealism, with commitment to keep those good traditions and the basic principles that have ensured Vatra’s longevity and that do not age with time.

This past 4^th of March I visited him for the last time, together with my son Eduard. He was happy to see us and we joked a little bit with a “Get Well” balloon; he always had a fine sense of humor.

Among other things, we talked about young generation being involved in Vatra. “Are you in Vatra?”, asked my son, who replied “Very much so”. Then he turned to me and said the words that my son keeps on tape; “I don’t hesitate to say that the best thing we did (was bringing) our children in Vatra”.

Agim has a long list of achievements and services in this beloved organization of ours, but I might mention only one: he was entrusted with Vatra funds, the “Permanent Fund” by him initiated, and the older “Building Fund” or “Fondi i Binasë” in Albanian. These funds were joined in one and were kept with sacrifices in difficult times, until his son Zudi, found the three-story building that we own now, at a price that could be paid in full with the available funds and with Zudi’s help, as the real estate broker who arranged the transaction without taking his due commission.

For his continued engagement and for contributions in various activities during his life, with the spirit of a patriot who looks after national interests above his own, he was honored with many recognitions and decorations; among those, the one that made him particularly proud and happy, was the Honorary Citizenship of his native city, Gjirokastra.

There are too many unforgettable episodes to tell here, that we enjoyed together with many friends, but let me conclude by just saying that he, for friends and especially for us Vatrans, left an enormous legacy of heavy responsibility that is not easy to keep, because keeping it requires unselfish leaders with moral and ideological qualities of Agim Karagjozi.

On behalf of my family and myself, and on behalf of many common friends that couldn’t be here today, I express my deepest sympathy to the Family here and to all relatives in Albania and wherever they may be.

Per gezime mbas sodit!

April 4, 2018