Dielli | The Sun

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

PERSECUTION ACCOUNTS TO CONFRONT THE PAST AND MOVE TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT

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By Rafaela Prifti/

Three Albanian women who are collaborating onamanuscript titled “Even Walls Have Ears” shared their personal journey and vision with VATRAin a virtual meeting on Saturday. In reversing the metaphor of the walls, the project aims to be a platform to share the accounts of the persecuted in Albania, honor their legacy and pave the road to justice.

The founder of the projectEven Walls Have Ears,KristaleIvezajRama, is a Detroit native and first generation Albanian-American, who felt compelled to tell the story of her family’s persecution by the authoritarian regime. In the course of this mission, Kristale said she embarked on a personal inquiry into her own family’s suffering. Sheestablished a website by the same name. The official pageindicates that it is designed with “the sole purpose of recording and preserving the narratives of Albania’s persecuted under communism 1933-1992. The 4M GroupCommunications Director travelled to Albania for the first time two years ago. She fully credits Albanian artists AlketaXhafa-Mripa, film director Ervin Kotoriand several professionals who collaborated in the production of theart installations consisting oflight-projectionsofexpressionsby Albania’s formerly persecuted individuals and the documentary titled “Even Walls Have Ears”. Displayed prominently in six Albanian cities in May 2018, the project carried a lot of symbolism starting with its name “From sunset to sunrise” and the use of the metaphor of walls, in reverse semantic: from walls that could hear to the ones that speak through the visuals. In the communist past, the thousands of families were subjected to harsh treatment and fear of being heard anywhere they went. The expression only served as a reminder to go through the suffering in silence. Decades later, the walls are the chosen medium that speaks the horrible truths of the survivors. The design of the daunting project included three parts: thelight installation, a documentary and the publishing of a book. Towards that last goal,Kristaleand two Albanian women professionals have joined forces. EdliraShero, who brings the legal expertise, is a recent JD Law School graduate who also comes from an ex-persecuted family. HajrijeKolimja, an Education Research Assistant with the project, is a Fulbright recipient, who founded QeSHA Literacy Project, Laugh – The American Writing Center in Albania.

While working on the manuscript, the trio identified the gaps in Albania’s education system and acknowledged the old-fashioned style of teaching in schools around the country. With the goal of including the subject of political persecutions under communism in Albania, a partnership was born between QeSHA and Even Walls Have Ears.In the call, Kristalesaid that she appreciates having more partners that share the same philosophy and drive. She addressed specific points such as the need for the curriculum, an official public apology to the survivors and family members, the naming or designating a public holiday to honor the legacy of the victims of communist persecution.  Mrs. Ivezaj-Rama, whocommunicated in English during her presentation, commented onhow past injustices often beget injustices, and howthe trauma is passed down generation after generation and the families of formerly persecuted continue to pay the price of mistreatment. 

The team said that they are a grass roots group with no politicalagenda or party affiliations who have committed their time and resources towards this independent project. For the three of them it is important to begin by opening the conversation on the topic of how remembrance serves to acknowledge the deprivation of freedoms and civil liberties that the families of persecuted still carry with them. Yet, these stories and experiences are so removed when it comes to the millennials and young adults in the 21stcentury Albania, they said. Speaking for the group, Kristale said that “the project pays homage to the stories of politically persecuted. Yet, it goes beyond remembrance.” Then,with a more sober tone, she added:  “It is a responsibility!”

“The approach of the manuscript,”Kristale explained, “is anthropological.” So far, they have collected about sixty interviews and have lined up some of Vatra members and their families to participate. The interviews are conducted with an open mind and a caring heart. Each interview takesfrom two to eight hours a day. Questionnaires have been signed off by psychologists and in consultation with trauma specialists. Mrs. Ivezaj-Rama said she is mindful of the sensitive matter and very protective of the interviewee’s rights. Asked about the validity of each case and a reliable database, the architect of the project said that she works closely with the Authority of the Ex-State Security Files.

President of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America VATRA,ElmiBerishaand Members of the Executive Council and Board of Directorswho joined the online meeting expressed support and congratulated the group for the initiative. Among them,LekeMirakaj, Dine Dineetc. have suffered in Albania’s prisons for decades and have first- hand accounts of the horrors that went on in these places. VATRA, as a well-respected organization has long been a staunch promoter of books on topics of denouncing communism and focusing attention on the politically persecuted class. Researcher and journalist SokolPaja highlighted the importance of the new project and related some of the data that he has come across in his work. The length of the exposure to communism, “the communist footprint”, he said, “affects the individual’s behavior and mindset.” VATRA Secretary,NazoVeliu,addressed the plight of the ex-persecuted families and was critical of thepresent-day administrationof Albania that still mistreats them when it comes to education and employment. On Saturday, VATRA Deputy Chairman for Innovation, Integration and Youth, Ervin Dine, who has been supportive of the project since the early stages, initiated the meeting with VATRAofficials and guests online. Following the call, Dielli’s English Editorasked the three members of the team how they see the project in the long run. Each answer identifies a unique feature and clear targetsthat are part of their mission for justice and eventually healing. Here are their responses:

“In my time as a research assistant for Even Walls Have Ears (from Feb. 2020 – June 2020), I have seen the ways in which Kristalé dedicates herself to being a vessel for the stories of the survivors of persecution. Her energy and passion are infectious, and anyone with whom she speaks on the matter is instantly captivated. This is not to say there is no resistance, that the work of EWHE is easy. However, the outpour of support and messages that EWHE receives is a sure sign of a movement, whether they come from survivors, artists, intellectuals, or everyday citizens. This momentum makes EWHE’s work all the more important. As the founder of the literacy project, QeShA: Qendra e ShkrimtarisëAmerikane, it is important for me to encourage the telling and listening of the stories of all Albanians–especially those that come from painful histories (such as persecution). While QeShA’s goal is to increase critical literacy skills, confidence, and open dialogue through the power and love of the written word, it also seeks to serve as a model for future education in Albanian-speaking communities. If EWHE and QeShA are able to successfully collaborate with educators in Albania to spread the stories of survivors and enhance workshop-based curriculum, we hope to see our stories and methodologies scatter throughout all Albanian communities. This is why a project like EWHE is valuable in collaboration with QeShA. Giving voice to and spreading stories about great pain will encourage healing in all forms in the Albanian-speaking communities; once someone witnesses the bravery of another, they will feel motivated to follow their lead. Herein is located the movement of EWHE and QeShA. No longer will Albanian voices be taboo. They will be heard.”

– HajrijeKolimja, Founder of QeShA 

“EWHE is a movement in pursuit of social justice and remembrance. We hope this movement will be a catalyst for institutional change in Albania and a form of healing for those who were punished and then silenced.”

– EdliraShero, JD Law

“Remembrance in Albania continues to be a humanitarian crisis, and it’s the responsibility of the diaspora, and every Albanian to acknowledge the injustice experienced by thousands of families. The anger and pain is still felt by thousands more born from persecuted families and who hear the trigger word “dictatorship.” It is the source of our division, and does not allow the continued corruption to be challenged for what it is.It is what divides and further polarizes us as a nation. The current political, economic, and social predicament in Albania is the legacy of our Communist past. Albanians must confront this past to enact institutional change.

EWHE hopes to inspire more Albanian youth and non-Albanians to understand 47 years of the dictatorship through the experiences and perspectives of survivors and their families, as well as by encouraging more creatives to take part in this conversation.

The movement has begun as EWHE has already had writers, photographers, and many other peoples reach out to offer help to the project, and it looks forward to getting many more a part of this movement. Its new collaboration with the QeShA literacy project will ensure an open-dialogue approach to education around Albania’s Communist past.

We also need more film makers, song writers, educators, artists, therapists, architects, more creatives to aid in the process of remembrance through their various mediums, and to do so genuinely, away from the political debate of the past, and the political interests of the future. We need intelligent, empathetic humans as part of this movement, people who sincerely care about the health and progress of our community!”

-KristaleIvezaj Rama 

A KANE PROTESTAT LIDHJE ME NE?

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Shkruan: Rafaela Prifti/*

 Kandidate e Shkencave për Antropologji Sociale/

 “There have been as many plagues as wars in history. Yet always plagues and wars take people equally by surprise.”- Albert Camus, The Plague

Filozofi francez-algjerian, autori dhe nobelisti ishekullit të 20-të, Albert Kamy, në romanin Murtaja shkruan:“Në histori ka pasur aq shumë murtaja sa edhe luftëra. Megjithatë njerëzit gjithmonë befasohen njësoj si nga murtajat ashtu edhe nga luftërat.”

Në kohën e pandemisë globale,të shkaktuar nga infektime masive me një virus të ri të identifiluar si Novel Coronavirus, në shumë qytete amerikane shpërthyen protesta kundër racizmit dhe dhunës policore. Kjo skicë jep një varg me mendime personale dhe vëzhgime të protestave në Nju Jork, ku përfshihen biseda me përfaqësues të komunitetit dhe zyrtarë vendorë.

Mendësia e krijuar në momentet e përballjes me të keqen e përbashkët ka vecoritë e saj të kushtëzuara jo më nga individi por nga një fat kolektiv. Gjendja e pandemisë krijoi një lloj solidarizimi që ndodh kur njerëzimi ndeshet me një fatkeqësi të përmasave madhore. Kjo situatë u shoqërua me krizë ekonomike si mbyllja e bizneseve, humbja e vendeve të punës, pakësimi i të ardhurave, rrezikimi i sigurimeve shëndetësore. Rastet e fundit të vrasjeve të afrikano-amerikanëve nga policia nxorrën në sipërfaqe disa pyetje për problemin racor në Amerikë. Autori, eseisti dhe aktivisti amerikan i shekullit të kaluar, James Baldwin,e shtjellonte temën në shumë rrafshe për të evidentuar marrëdhëniet e ndërlikuara raciale në Amerikë. Për Baldwin, njeriu mund të ndryshojë gjithcka me të cilën përballet por asgjë nuk mund të ndryshohet pa u përballuar.Shumë nga anketimet e opinionit tregojnë se protestat kanë fituar përkrahje të gjerë në publikun amerikan. Brenda një kohe të shkurtër, grupe demografike të ndryshme dhe me bindje jo të njëjta politike janë të të njëjtit mendim se duhen kryer reforma të menjëhershme në legjislacion si edhe në praktikat policore. Nga një sondazh i Schar School of  Policy and Government (Fakulteti Schar për Studime Politike dhe Qeverisje) 81% e të anketuarve thonë se duhet të ketë më shumë reforma policore.

A kanë lidhje protestat me komunitetin?

Nga vëzhgimet e protestave në Nju Jork dhe bisedat e mia me anëtarë të shoqatave shqiptare kam vërejtur se pjesëmarrja e komunitetit është sporadike. Kam takuar individë dhe nxënës që protestojnë por jo në formë të organizuar.Në parim ata solidarizohen me luftën kundër diskriminimit, ndërsa në realitet,komuniteti nuk duket se e shikon revoltën të lidhur me kauzën e vet.Përjetimi i represionit të egër komunist dhe persekutimi politik nga regjimi totalitar në Shqipëri janë temë më vete nga shtypja dhe robërimi fizik dhe mendor i një shtrese të popullsisë në Amerikë. Në valën e dhunshme të shthurrjes së rendit publik dhe akteve të vagabondazhit në ditët e para të protestave u dëmtuan një numër i bizneseve në disa zona të Bronksit. Nga intervistat e mia me përfaqësuesit zyrtarë rezulton se pronarët italianë dhe shqiptarë në ato pjesë të Bronksit ishin përgatitur dhe nuk pësuan dëme ndërsa bizneset portorikane dhe pakica të tjera patën shkatërrime të mëdha.

C’është më kryesorja, komuniteti shqiptar ka raporte të tjera me forcat e ruajtjes së rendit. Një pjesë e brezit shqiptar-amerikan të ardhur apo të rritur këtu janë të punësuar në agjenci të ruajtjes dhe mbrojtjes, kanë kryer akademi ushtarake apo janë arsimuar në sajë të mobilizimit të tyre.Gjatë bisedave, ata thonë se janë në krahun e forcave policore. Në debatin e hapur në Nju Jork për eliminimin e fondeve të policisë, ata paraqesin pozitën e tyre për shtimin dhe jo pakësimin e fondeve në një vend që është në shënjestër të akteve terroriste.

*Shënim: Ky shkrim paraqet opinionin tim personal dhe nuk përfaqëson qëndrimin e gazetës Dielli dhe Federatës Vatra.

MARKO KEPI’S ROAD TO NY ASSEMBLY BEGINS JUNE 23

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By Rafaela Prifti/

Republican Candidate of the 64th Assembly District, Marko Kepi, celebrated the opening of his campaign headquarters on Hylan Boulevard and Flag Day on June 14. Today Dielli visited the office to conduct a brief interview.
Dielli: How is your campaign different from the opponents’?
Kepi: My campaign is different because it does not rely on the elected officials to help us in the election, and it does not depend on their support. Instead, we are doing our campaigning by knocking on doors, phone banks, TV interviews. This way we reach out to the voters who decide that they’d want to vote for me as a candidate not because of some elected official.
Dielli: On the topic of government officials, you have been a very vocal critic of Mayor De Blasio. You have escalated your disapproval of him particularly with regard to the handling of the marches and protests against police brutality in the city since last month. Yet, Mayor De Blasio opposed the City Council’s proposal to cut police funding by $1 billion. Where do you stand on that?
Kepi: I am against cutting any funding to the police. It is important to keep in mind that New York is a target for terrorist attacks. We need as much funding as possible for the NYPD, Homeland Security and other agencies to keep New Yorkers safe.
Dielli: We are four days away from voting. You are running in the Republican primary for a seat in New York State Assembly. You stand firmly by your economic plan and your dedication to serve the country as you have done in the US Marine. Yet, if you were a sitting Assemblyman in Albany today, what issues would you be fighting for?
Kepi: Bail reform and property taxes are some of the issues. The opioid crises needs to be addressed. Staten Island is the number one place in the country with the highest incarceration rate per capita. The Verrazano Bridge toll is practically another tax for the residents here and we need a fast ferry service. These are some of the issues I would be fighting for.
Dielli: As an Albanian activist, you have organized rallies and marches advocating for the national interests of the Albanian people. Last June, you as President of Albanian Roots and Vatra Advisor were leading the Nations’ Parade jointly with the Pan-Albanian Federation of America and numerous community organizations. This year there was no parade for obvious reasons. What do you miss the most now?
Kepi: I miss seeing the grandparents and the young children coming to the parade. That makes my day! That makes everything worthwhile!

Dielli: Thank you and good luck!

Editor’s Note: On June 15, Dielli published a congratulatory message with the Albanian translation of the Facebook post on Marko Kepi’s page: “Honored to receive a Gold Medal from President Donald J. Trump. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States for recognition of outstanding volunteer contributions for community service to United States.”
Dielli has covered the official announcement of the Kepi campaign run for the NY State Assembly last September and the fundraiser dinner celebrating Albania’s Independence in support of his candidacy in November.

US SUPREME COURT RULING UPHOLDS DACA PROGRAM

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By Rafaela Prifti/

On Thursday the Supreme Court issued its ruling that upholds the DACA program.DACA which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was enacted in 2012. It allowed young people raised in the US without legal immigration status to renew authorizations to live and work in the US, although it did not provide a path to citizenship.

According to national immigration data, in states including California, Washington and New York, Dreamer activists pushed for laws that made it possible for them to get driver’s licenses and to qualify for college loans and reduced tuition programs. As of September 2019, roughly 700,000 people were in the DACA program, including doctors and teachers. President Trump has expressed his support of the population shielded from deportation. In his presidential Tweeter account in September 2017, he posted: “Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military? Really!” In 2017, the administration sought to end DACAon the grounds of it being “implemented illegally by Obama in 2012.”President Trump defended the contradictory position by claiming that eliminating the program would force Congress to reach a deal that supported Dreamers.While the issue received little attention in Congress, the legality of the program was litigated in lower courts. Those courts decided to allow the program to continue but only for the people who were already receiving it. When the case reached the Supreme Court in 2019, the first question before it was fundamentally whether the nation’s highest court had the jurisdiction to review or make a ruling on the issue. The oral arguments at November 2019 hearing determined that it did.

Today’s justices ruling of 5:4 blocked the administration from ending the program that grants temporary protection from deportation to the undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as minors. With regard to the issue of government rule-making,the Supreme Court ruled thatthe decision of the administration to end the program for undocumented immigrants was invalid.

Reportedly, the effort to seek protections for this population emerged two decades ago, with the introduction of the Dream Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) in 2001 by US Senators Dick Durbin and Orrin Hatch. For the next 20 years, Congress repeatedly tried and failed to pass different versions of the legislation. In the meantime, an influential movement to secure protections for this group, known as Dreamers,have advocated on the state and federal level.

KOSOVO SERBIA TALKS AT THE WHITE HOUSE LATER THIS MONTH

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by Rafaela Prifti/

On Tuesday, US Presidential Envoy for Kosovo Serbia negotiations, Richard Grenell, announced on his Twitter account that he has “received the commitment from the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to temporarily pause the derecognition campaign and the seeking of international memberships in order to meet in Washington, DC at the White House on June 27 for Dialogue discussions.”

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci responded via Facebook hailing the US leadership role in the peace talks: “I welcome the invitation to resume the dialogue process for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia under the leadership of the President of the United States Donald Trump.”

The announcement of the Kosovo Serbia talks under the auspices of the US is widely welcomed by the Albanian-American community that has been critical of Eurupe’s noncommittal position on the stalled negotiations.

The Twitter posting of Ambassador Grenell comes as the EU diplomat Miroslac Lajcak arrived in Kosovo today to revive the European Union efforts to bring the parties back to the table.

EU Envoy Lajcak, who met with Kosovo’s President Thaci in Prishtina today, said that the talks must conclude with a comprehensive, lasting pact between Serbia and Kosovo, reiterating a common desire by both to join the EU.

In February, Mr. Grenell oversaw an agreement under which Serbia and Kosovo agreed to develop road and rail links to boost economic cooperation prior to resolving long-standing issues.

Drawing attention to the economic perspective, US Special Envoy Grenell said on his Twitter account today: “If either side is unsatisfied with the June 27 discussions then they will go back to the status quo after they leave Washington. We must first make progress on growing the economies.”