Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

NY RALLY STANDS IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE ACKNOWLEDGES LONG ROAD AHEAD

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Rafaela Prifti/

The Albanian community stood up and spoke out at a midtown Saturday rally in support of protecting women and girls facing acts of sexual violence. It is part of a unifying solidarity movement with rallies in Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia. The recent reported rape of an eleven year old girl by five Albanian males in Kosovo prompted broad bursts of outrage last month. The public outcry over the incident intensified after the prosecution’s handling of the case. Aiming to “change the narrative” associated with the acts of sexual violence, and supported by local groups and politicians, two New York based organizers, Djellza Pulatani, an activist Fordham University student and Suada Demiri, advocate and financial analyst, called the rally, held nearby the offices of the Consulate General of Kosovo in New York.

“We stand here to change the narrative. The shame of rape is not for the survivors to bare but for the perpetrators. We will display their names…They will be the ones to bring shame to their families. They have no place in our community,” said Suada Demiri. Some protesters held up signs showing the names, written in black sharpie, of the perpetrators of the rape, as reported to Kosova authorities. “The judicial system has once again failed the survivors,” said Professor Anila Duro of John Jay College at the rally. Her impassioned remarks were interrupted by chants “The Future is Hers” and “Justice delayed is justice denied”.

Going back three years now, these chants have fired up rallies in the city calling attention to the 20,000 estimated rapes of Albanian women and girls by Serbs during the Kosova war. In 2018 at a US Congressional Hearing in Washington DC, Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman gave testimony as a survivor of sexual violence of the Kosova war in front of the House Foreign Relations Committee. Two decades after the war, there still have been no rape prosecutions.

While most of the participants were residents in and around New York area, at least members of one Albanian family at the protest were visitors from Kosova. On a short stay from Prishtina, Mitare Hamiti, her husband and son, decided to protest by holding posters in solidarity with the sisters back home.

The theme of solidarity and the expressed support by the leaders was amplified by Mark Gjonaj, former City Councilman and tireless supporter of the Future is Hers ongoing campaign. “Your presence here sends a message. We stand in solidarity with the thousands that came out in Kosova, Macedonia, Albania until justice is brought to the survivors, until we put an end to all forms of sexual violence,” said Gjonaj. Acts of sexual violence have consistently been condemned by politicians, party officials and members of governments. Echoing that same unity around the issue of protecting women as in Tirana, Prishtina, Skopje, the New York rally was about ending the cycle of violence.

The gathering on Saturday featured a number of eloquent and distinguished speakers that drove home many relevant and important issues of gender and justice inequality versus our humanity. As Djellza Pulatani put it to the gatherers: “I want you all to understand that this is not about being someone’s sister, or mother or daughter. This is about being someone.” The violation of the women’s rights is a human rights subject with profound impact for the society and its future.

While both organizers agree that there is a long way to go in addressing the compound issue of sexual violence, Saturday’s rally made its statement by raising society’s protection for women and girls rights to the level of a moral imperative. To them, where you stand on that issue says a lot about your moral values and who you are.

21st Anniversary of 9/11 Observed in US, Kosovo, Albania with Tributes, Services and Reflections

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Rafaela Prifti/

President Biden paid tribute to “extraordinary Americans” on the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks in a somber wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon. The president was joined by family members of the fallen and first responders on the day of the attack.

“It’s not enough to stand up for democracy once a year or every now and then,” President Biden said. “It’s something we have to do every single day. So this is a day not only to remember, but also is a day for renewal and resolve for each and every American in our devotion to this country, to the principles it embodies, to our democracy.”

First lady Jill Biden addressed the National Memorial Observance in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. She said the attacks showed that “with courage and kindness we can be a light in that darkness.” In these moments, she said, our source of strength comes from our connection to one another. “So as we stand on this sacred and scarred earth, a record of our collective grief and a monument to the memories that live on each day, this is the legacy we must carry forward: Hope that defies hate.”

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband attended a commemoration ceremony at the National September 11th Memorial in New York.

President Biden noted that even after a year of ending the war in Afghanistan, launched in response to the terror attacks, his administration continues to pursue those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and the “commitment to preventing another attack on the United States is without end.”

Annual moments of tribute were carried out in New York City, the Pentagon, Pennsylvania and across the world. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and US Deputy Ambassador Alyson Grunder, paid homage at the “Kosova Remembers” memorial dedicated to the victims of September 11, 2001 attack. President Osmani noted that on that day America suffered a terrible act of terrorism yet it was an attack on all who believe in the values of freedom and democracy. Since then, she said, “Kosovo has joined the American people every day, joining forces in the defense of these values and the fight against terrorism.” In his commemorating tribute, President of Albania Bajram Begaj called attention to staying committed to preventing terrorist attacks and protecting democracy. “Today we honor all those who lost and gave their lives in the deadly terrorist attacks of 9/11 against the United States and democracy, which changed it forever. Recent cyber attacks on our vital infrastructure remind us that national security is a top priority. We must build and develop our national capabilities while strengthening ties with our partners and allies to protect the security of our countries and people,” said Albania’s President Begaj.

MEETING WITH NEW YORK GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

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On Wednesday evening, Governor Kathy Hochul met with members and representatives of the Albanian community at Patsy’s Pizzeria in East Harlem. Patsy’s Pizza is a premier pizza chain of our compatriot Frank Brija.

The meeting reinforced the Governor’s commitment to ensure that the Albanian community has a seat at the table. The Pan Albanian Federation of America Vatra stands firmly in support of her collaborative approach to governing.

Vatra President Elmi Berisha thanked Governor Hochul for the Kosovo Independence Day ceremony, which is expected to be a continual event by the community. Earlier this year, the commemoration of the 14th Anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence Day marked the first time the Governor’s Office through its Bronx Representative at the time Sophia Zayas jointly with local elected officials hosted the event in the Bronx.

In keeping with the making-history theme, Kathy Hochul is New York’s first female Governor. Prior to winning state-wide office, Kathy was elected to and served at the U.S. House of Representatives as a Western New York Democrat in Congress from 2011 to 2013. Hochul has served as Lieutenant Governor of New York State from 2015 to 2021.

At the end of July, Governor Hochul visited with the members and representatives of the Albanian community. In her address, she acknowledged the “great Albanian community of over 100,000”, its respectable traditions and prominent figures, many of whom escaped the harsh realities of their home country like her own ancestors. Putting it in the context of the “American dream’, Governor Hochul said that the presence of communities like this strengthen our resolve to reach for bigger goals.

The July event, held on the newly dedicated Gjergj Kastrioti Skendyerbeu Street in the Bronx, was covered by Dielli.

Vatra’s Tribute Highlights Mother Teresa’s Legacy on the 25th Year of Her Passing

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Rafaela Prifti/

The remembrance of the 25th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death on 5 September 1997 was commemorated today in over a hundred countries worldwide. Throughout the holiday weekend, ceremonies and gatherings honored her work and legacy in service of God.

On Saturday, Vatra hosted a commemorative event to highlight the indelible footprint of Mother Teresa’s humanity.

She is affectionately referred to as the Albanian “Gonxhe” (Rosebud) in a nod to her birth name. In 1931 while teaching in Calcutta, she herself selected the name Terese – the Patron Saint of Missionaries – in recognition of her calling and commitment.  Twenty years later, she was allowed by the Pope to start her missionary houses. In 1965 Pope Paul VI bestowed the Decree of Praise upon the Missionaries of Charity, which prompted her to expand internationally from South America  to Europe, Africa and Asia.

MOTHER TERESA IN THE SOUTH BRONX AND HER NY CONNECTION

Her first house in the United States opened in the South Bronx in 1971 and moved into the Convent at St. Rita the following year. Since then, it has been serving as a homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Today, Cardinal Dolan joined the sisters giving Mass to remember their foundress with a day dedicated entirely to the service of the poor, in the style of the saint of the last. Mother Teresa stayed at the Bronx Mission for a few weeks in May and June of 1997. The mission later expanded its services to Harlem, where it runs a women’s shelter, and Brooklyn. Just months away from death, she flew from Rome to New York for a surprise visit. The news reports said that those associated with the event believe it should be listed as “a miracle’ attributed to Mother Teresa that speaks “volumes   about her connection to New York.”(New York Daily News, September 3, 2016)

On Saturday, just a few miles away from Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, at Vatra’s main offices, members of the Albanian American community, scholars and Vatra officials honored her memory and reflected on the deep humanity of her life’s work. In his remarks, Elmi Berisha, President of Vatra, touched on the unique form of diplomacy she conducted by proudly maintaining who she was. “During the decades of communist self-isolation in Albania and severe ethnic repression of Albanians in Kosova, Mother Teresa’s pride in her ethnicity and inherited traditions carried an incredible significance on the world stage,” said Elmi Berisha. Dr. Paulin Marku echoed the qualities of the ultimate humanitarian who did not compromise her values in the face of cruelty. Under the communist regime, Mother Teresa was not allowed to pay respects to her mother and sister buried in Albania. As a scholar of Mother Teresa whom she calls “The Saint of Peripheries” in the eponymous book released last year, Dr. Ines Murzaku explored some of the ways Mother Teresa carried out her Gospel message.  Adding a personal touch to the iconic figure, veteran journalist Sinan Kamberaj shared some memories from meeting Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity in mid 1990s. The Honorary president of Vatra, Agim Rexhaj, recalled paying respect to the Sisters at the Mission 25 years ago, as part of a Vatra delegation. He recognized a number of Vatrans like Marjan Cubi, late Zef Balaj, and many more that have been involved and have contributed generously to fundraising efforts and organizing drives to memorialize her. One such project is the Mother Teresa Cathedral in Prishtina. Throughout the years, the City Council and representatives of the Albanian American community have set street signs, statues and sculptures in her honor.  Dedications of Mother Teresa portraits and artwork are present in many spots in New York. (Peace Park, Dag Hammarskjold Square, UN General Assembly) In 2012 her figure was sculpted at the Washington National Cathedral. (Photo: Washington National Memorial) In her death, as in  her life, the extraordinary humanitarian transcends borders and barriers.

In the context of Vatra’s work and mission, honoring mother Teresa is tied to the meaning of the civil service, which through her work and words she did not consider to be a profession but rather a calling. 

MORE EVENTS

This month, James Towey, former cabinet member in the Bush administration and former President of Florida’s Ave Maria University, who served as Mother Teresa’s lawyer, advisor and devoted friend will release a new biography entitled “To Love and Be Loved: A Personal Portrait of Mother Teresa (Simon and Schuster).
A Saint for Our Time – a New documentary depicting the life and legacy of Mother Teresa, canonized by Pope Francis, premiered at the Vatican movie theater on Aug. 31. Screenings expected to be announced by the producers. 

President Biden Signs the Veterans Health Care Legislation

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by Rafaela Prifti/

PACT Act delivers Critical Health Care and Other Benefits for Veterans. It is considered to be the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans in more than 30 years. PACT stands for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics and honors Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson. It is named after the decorated combat medic, who served in Iraq and Kosovo, and died from a rare form of lung cancer two years ago.

“This historic legislation will help deliver more timely benefits and services to more than 5 million veterans—across all generations—who may have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving our country,” White House said. Danielle Robinson, the widow of Sergeant First Class Robinson, was a guest of the First Lady at an emotional ceremony in the White House.

“Ours is just one story. So many military families have had to fight this terrible emotional battle. So many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses today,” Danielle Robinson said.

It is a sentiment that echoes the long struggles to ensure treatment for chronic illnesses that have plagued veterans exposed to burn pits, which were a commonplace in order to get rid of a wide variety of items, and dispose of chemicals, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste. Estimates of affected troops run to 3.5 million, according to reports. However, 70% of disability claims involving exposure to the pits were denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

President Biden’s son, Beau Biden passed away at 46 from brain cancer.  In a 2018 PBS interview Joe Biden said that his son’s fatal brain cancer may have been caused by exposure to military burn pits while serving in Iraq and Kosovo.

Ervin Dine, a Kosovo veteran and Vatra Executive Council Member told Dielli that he recalls the first experience with burn pits in Kosovo. “It was necessary in keeping with the hygiene, in particular when you are out there for 2 or 3 months straight at times. It is nauseating especially for the marines whose job is to mix in the burning waste.” Commenting on the approval of the bill, Dine said that “every area of life in 2022 is upgraded by advancement  including arms, aviation etc. and that needs to include the hygiene of service members.”.

The bipartisan law will direct officials to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers are linked to burn pit exposure, which would help veterans get disability payments without having to prove the illness was the result of the service. Although the provision involving burn pits has garnered the most attention, other health care services in the bill are expanded to benefit the veterans from the Vietnam War and more.

The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 86-11. The passing of the bill ended a brief stalemate that enraged supporters and saw veterans groups camp outside the Capitol. The legislation that passed last week is considered to be the largest expansion of veterans health care in more than three decades..

Elmi Berisha, Vatra President, reflected on the significance of the bill by highlighting the strong connection of Vatra in the service of the country including  3,000 Albanian immigrants who signed up with US troops in World War I and the Vatra Corps Volunteers who went to Albania on April 2, 1920 as well as generations of servicemen and women that have followed in their footsteps.