Dielli | The Sun

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

COVID-19 WORST CRISIS SINCE WWII SAYS UN AGENCY REPORT

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by Rafaela Prifti

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report on Tuesday. It states that COVID-19 is the worst global crisis since the Second World War and releases data on the economies and labor markets around the world. The document evaluates “the toll on the world’s economy, with full or partial lockdown measures now affecting the livelihood of almost 2.7 billion people — more than 4 out of 5 workers in the global workforce of 3.3 billion.” The pandemic has delivered “unprecedented shocks to economies and labor markets” while the health care systems have been pushed to the point of collapse.


Pointing out the effects in both developed and developing economies, the UN agency’s Director General Guy said that workers and businesses are facing catastrophe.” “We have to move fast, decisively, and together. The right, urgent, measures could make the difference between survival and collapse.”


In economic terms, the pandemic will be far worse than the most recent recession, the agency says.
According to the report, different income groups will suffer serious wage losses due to a decline in working hours.  

“Huge losses are expected across different income groups but especially in upper-middle income countries,” the agency says, estimating a 7% decline in working hours for that group in the current economic quarter. The report states that such statistics 
far exceed the effects of the 2008-9 financial crisis. 

MORE SCIENCE LESS FICTION

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Selected and Edited by Rafaela Prifti/

Numerous studies show no scientific evidence that the current coronavirus SARS-Co-V-2 was created in a lab. The pathogen appears to have come from wild animals, virologists say, and there are no signs of genetic manipulation in the SARS-CoV-2 genome

Since the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic, theories have circulated about the origin of the novel coronavirus causing the disease, SARS-CoV-2. One prominent rumor is that it first escaped from a lab in Wuhan studying bat coronaviruses and then spread to the public. This theory has evolved into claims that the virus was genetically engineered to be a bioweapon. But scientists say that while there’s not enough information to pinpoint where the virus came from, there is no evidence that it was created in a lab.

The lab-escape theory had been circulating on social media and various blogs for weeks. In an article written in The Scientist by Steven Mosher, a social scientist and the president of the Population Research Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, he summarized why he believes SARS-CoV-2 may have been accidentally spread by China’s National Biosafety Laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where researchers have studied bat coronaviruses..

Mosher describes several lines of reasoning, namely, that the lab location is less than 10 miles away from the seafood market where a cluster of COVID-19 cases was first discovered. Secondly, he considers that after the 2003 SARS outbreak, the SARS-CoV virus escaped from virology labs multiple times in China. Thirdly, he describes how Chinese virologist and bioweapons expert Major General Chen Wei went to the Wuhan Institute of Virology with military scientists in January to study the new virus, which Mosher considers to be a form of damage control.

The World Health Organization updated SARS surveillance guidelines in 2004 after the lab-based outbreaks, urging labs to follow proper biosafety procedures, and China replaced the director of its Center for Disease Control and Prevention. One problem leading to a lot of apprehension and speculation about the new coronavirus is that scientists “don’t know what the actual source of the virus was,” Anthony Fehr, a Coronavirus researcher at the University of Kansas, according to The Scientist. Additionally, researchers don’t know if SARS-CoV-2 immediately started to spread in humans after a single transmission from an animal, or if it took multiple zoonotic events between an infected animal population and humans.

Despite the questions surrounding the exact source of the disease, it does appear to have originally come from wildlife, according to a team of international public health scientists who wrote a statement published in The Lancet. An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 by scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology suggests that the virus’s genome is 96 percent similar to a coronavirus found in bats.

Mosher agrees that animals were the likely origin. Transmission from an animal, with no lab experiment or genetic manipulation involved, fits best with what scientists know about how other coronaviruses have transferred to humans. In the past, these viruses have spread through wild bats that infect another type of animal—an intermediate host—that then spreads it to humans. For example, SARS-CoV, was transmitted from bats to civets to humans, while camels were an intermediate host in MERS, as stated in Quanta. The civet version of SARS-CoV was 99.8 percent similar to the one found in humans—much more closely related than the bat and human varieties of SARS-CoV-2—so researchers believe the new coronavirus also infected another type of animal on its way from bats to humans. The studies published in Nature show that scientists have not yet found “a candidate”. This ability to move in between different animal hosts is a characteristic feature of coronaviruses, according to Paul McCray, a pulmonologist at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine whose lab studies coronaviruses. “It’s exactly what we’ve learned in studies of SARS in 2002 and 2003, and MERS in 2012. . . He says that for people that work with these viruses, the reoccurrence is completely unsurprising. “We don’t need to come up with farfetched theories when the genome sequences and the characteristics of these viruses support what we’re seeing.”

NO SIGNS OF ENGINEERING IN SARS-CoV-2 GENOME

In addition to the claim that a naturally evolved virus escaped from a lab by mistake, some conspiracy theories have stated that SARS-CoV-2 was genetically engineered. In fact, researchers throughout the world, including in the US and China, have conducted research involving the creation of experimentally engineered hybrid coronaviruses. There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was genetically engineered, says Paraskevis, whose genomic analysis of the new virus was reported as a preprint in January.

RNA viruses, which include coronaviruses, “accumulate mutations at a rate one million times faster than human DNA [does]. . . . It gives them the ability to survive against an immune response,” Paraskevis says. Although the novel coronavirus does have some genetic differences to other known viruses due to mutations, “there’s no evidence that this is the result of a human experiment,” the scientist finds. In addition, the engineered virus would show additional genetic material in its genome. The Chinese researchers published the most important piece of information online. The Scientist article states that the fact that researchers all over the world had access to that genomic sequence made a lot of early studies possible. 

Many unknowns still remain about SARS-CoV-2, and researchers worldwide are trying to uncover as much as they can about the virus. In times of crises, there is a preponderance for conspiracy theories and a tendency for finger pointing. The best defense is to get information from reliable and trusted sources. During pandemics, each one should be responsible in slowing the spread of virus and stopping the private speculation by sharing scientific knowledge publicly. 

Koncert Maestroja Nermin Daja Zhabjaku

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Nga Rafaela Prifti/

 “Artistët shqiptarë brenda dhe jashtë atdheut janë ata që e përcjellin më së miri përvojën e kombit tonë nga një gjeneratë tek tjetra,” thotë Koncert Maestroja Nermin Daja Zhabjaku në bisedën e kërkuar nga Dielli për të shënuar 8 marsin. 

Karriera e saj profesionale përfshin thuajse dyzet vjet në Shqipëri ku ajo ka qenë nga prijëset e para të profesionit të saj si shoqëruese dhe pianiste e zhanrit operistik. Në fund të viteve 90-të, kur ajo bashkë me fëmijët, Azeta dhe Kreshnik Zhabjaku erdhën në Nju Jork, talenti i saj spikati edhe këtu. Në sajë të kualifikimit dhe përvojës së saj, Koncert Maestroja Nermin Daja Zhabjaku u angazhua në Mannes College of Music nga tenori me famë ndërkombëtare z. Dan Marek. Gjatë bisedës me Diellin ajo flet për veçoritë e brezit të artistëve që jetuan dhe krijuan në diktaturën komuniste dhe që patën mundësinë të japin kontribut në Amerikë, tregon disa momente personale sesi u këndua aria ‘gabimisht’në gjuhën italiane, flet për jetën e artistëve në diasporë e të tjera. Ajo ndjen respekt për artistët me të cilët ka bashkëpunuar me vite të tëra, ndërsa ata e kanë vlerësuar atë për profesionalizëm të pashoq. “Pasioni, vullneti, talenti, puna artistike me solistët e bën zonjën Daja Zhabjaku një artiste me plot kuptimin e fjalës,’ shkruan tenori shqiptar, Artisti i Popullit, Gaqo Çako. Si nënë, zonja Daja Zhabjaku është figurë qendrore në jetën e fëmijve. Ajo ndjek me kënaqësi spektaklet e koncertet e Kreshnikut ashtu si edhe simpoziumet e kumtesat e Azetës. 

Ajo është ngjitur në skenë me mijëra herë por kurrë nuk e ka kërkuar dritën e prozhektorëve. Ajo ka shoqëruar qindra zëra por kurrë nuk ka lejuar të kërkojë vendin e parë. Për Ditën Ndërkombëtare të Gruas, Dielli do ndriçojë mbi të për kontributin që i ka dhënë Koncert Maestroja Nermin Daja Zhabjaku artit operistik shqiptar.  

-Ju zonja Daja Zhabjaku i përkisni brezit të artistëve shqiptarë, të cilët një pjesë të konsiderueshme të jetës profesionale e kaluan nën diktaturën komuniste. Çfarë ishte më e rëndësishme për ju në atë kohë? 

Pjesën më të madhe të karrierës sime, plot 30 vjet, e kam përjetuar në diktaturë. Për mua, gjithmonë ka pasur rëndësi parësore integriteti personal e profesional. Jo vetëm përgatitja dhe profesionalizmi, por edhe komunikimi me solistët në çdo kapacitet. Natyra e punës sime kërkonte të isha partnere në të kënduar për duetin/trion e rradhës apo të ndihmoja solistin të formonte artistikisht qasjen individuale ndaj rolit ose aries që po përgatiste. Sot është e lehtë të harrojmë që në atë kohë nuk kishim inçizime (CD) të ndonjë lloji (të rralla ishin rastet me disk apo kaseta magnetofoni) ndërsa platforma si Youtube nuk eksistonin që të krahasonim ose të merrnim ide nga artistë ose teatro të huaj. Në ato kushte, përgjegjësia binte tek mua për të arritur nivelin më të lartë të interpretimit të solistëve të operës sonë kombëtare.

-Nga ajo kohë deri më sot, çfarë nuk duhet të harrojmë të gjithë ne këtu në diasporë dhe në atdhe? 

Këmbënguljen dhe dashurinë e profesionitëve për artin e operas pavarësisht nga vështirësitë e krijuara nga ideologjia dhe konjukturat politike. Një nga periudhat më të rënda ka qenë kopjimi shqiptar i revolucionit kulturor kinez, gjatë viteve ‘70 dhe ’80. Pika absurde ishte ndalimi i të kënduarit të arieve dhe veprave operistike në gjuhën origjinale. Libretet e operave klasike si Traviata apo Rigoletto të Verdit, Madama Butterfly nga Puccini, Dasma e Figaros nga Mozarti e shumë të tjera këndoheshin në shqip. Nuk mund të harroj një episod kur gjatë një koncerti, sopranoja e njohur Shqipe Mingomataj më tha se do ta interpretonte arien e Toskës në gjuhën origjinale. Kur iu turrën se kishte shkelur ‘vijën’ ajo këmbëngulte se e kishte kënduar në shqip dhe se ‘paria politike’ nuk e kishte dëgjuar mirë. Por në Shqipërinë komuniste kufizimet kishin cekur çdo detaj të jetës personale. Veshjet e lejuara në punë dhe në publik, siç ishte ndalimi i mbajtjes së pantallonave për femrat dhe gjatësia e fustaneve deri tek gjuri. Nuk e harroj vëzhgimin e vrazhdë në hyrje të derës së operas ku kontrolloheshim se mos kishim tejkaluar ndopak lyerjen e buzëve apo rimelin te qerpikët. Megjithëse sot edhe unë vetë mund t’i kujtoj me pak humor me shoqet e mia, në atë kohë si pianiste e re ishte jetike t’i përmbaheshe normave të vëna nga drejtoria.

-Si artiste me karrierë në dy kontinente dhe në dy sisteme, si e ke përjetuar veçorinë e një brezi të tërë të artistëve shqiptarë, që kapërcyen vitet ‘90 dhe 2000 duke jetuar dhe krijuar në Amerikë? 

Ky brez i krijuesve shqiptarë është shumë i formuar artistikisht dhe zotëron plot talent dhe shumë zell. Ata kanë gjetur edhe këtu mundësira për të arritur potencialin e tyre profesional.

-Po çfarë gjen dhe çfarë nuk gjen artisti shqiptar në diasporë?  

Për mua personalisht, imagjinoj se çfarë mund të kisha arritur po të isha këtu në moshën 20 vjeç. Në anën tjetër më mungon ngrohtësia që kam pasur me kolegët e mi. 

-Nga kujtimet personale, ju mbaj mend në mbrëmjen e 50 vjetorit të krijimtarisë së babait tim në Nju Jork, ku ju ishit pianistja që shoqëruat baritonin Kreshnik Zhabjaku dhe mezzo sopranon Rajmonda Dabulla. Lista e artistëve që keni shoqëruar dhe me të cilët keni bashkë-interpretuar i përngjan një antologjie të këngëtarëve të operës shqiptare. E njëjta vlen edhe për kompozitorët shqiptarë. Nga më shumë se 1,000 koncerte a mund të ruhen momentet të caktuara në kujtesë?  

Koncertet me artistë të skenës së Teatrit të Operas dhe Baletit janë të panumërueshme. Për afër dyzet vjet kam shoqëruar në piano dhe në kanto shumicën e artistëve, solistëve, tenorë, baritonë, mezzosoprano, bass, si dhe kam interpretuar në koncerte dhe inçizime në Radio Televizionin Shqiptar. Kam qenë shoqëruese në shfaqje në të gjithë Shqipërinë. Dhe deri në kohën që u largova, luaja me dëshirë për studentët e Akademisë së Arteve në saxhot dhe provimin e diplomës.

-Nju Jorku është ‘atdheu’ i dytë për familjen tuaj si edhe një nga kryeqendrat e jetës artistike. Ju keni qenë pianiste në koncertin në Carnegie Hall 2014, ku krejt programi ishte ndërtuar me muzikë dhe artistë shqiptarë. Cilat janë përshtypjet tuaja? 

Ishte koncert me nivel të lartë artistik dhe i organizur shumë bukur. Një punë e mrekullueshme e producentit Xhevat Limani dhe Ambasadorit të Shqipërisë pranë Kombeve të Bashkuara në atë kohë, z. Ferit Hoxha. Ka qenë edhe një ndër momentet më të ëmbla si nënë dhe si pianiste profesioniste, pasi bariton në skenë ishte djali im Kreshniku. Më është ngulitur në kujtesë kumbimi i muzikës së mirëfilltë klasike shqiptare në një ndër skenat më të njohura në botë. Mbaj mend shumë përfaqësues të OKB-së dhe artdashës njujorkezë si edhe shqiptarë nga komuniteti ynë që na pritën me duartrokitje dhe ovacione. Ky koncert ishte koncerti im i fundit në karrierën time si pianiste profesioniste.

– Këtë vit festa ndërkombëtare e gruas qëlloi të ishte në periudhën e përhapjes së epidemisë së virusit respirativ me përqendrim të madh në Nju Jork. Cilat janë kujtimet e festimit të 8 marseve të kaluar?

Për mua gjithmonë ka qenë e rëndësishme ta kaloj me familjen time. Kam qenë e lumtur me bashkëshortin tim, regjisorin Ismail Zhabjaku, dhe fëmijët, Azeta dhe Kreshnik. Ka qenë gjithmonë një ditë pranë familjes dhe më të shumtën e rasteve bënin piknik nga liqeni i Tiranës. Mbaj mend lulet që më sillnin fëmijët dhe hartimet që më bënte vajza për 8 Marsin. Momente që kurrë nuk harrohen. 

-Muzika dhe artisët shqiptarë janë të pranishëm në shumë spektakle e koncerte në mbarë botën. Ata kanë arritur njohje masive dhe publicitet global që nuk ishte mbërritur deri tani dhe që vështirë se mund të arrihet me rrugë të tjera. A është pozita e tyre e favorshme për të përçuar një mesazh të bashkuar? 

Patjetër. Zemra dhe shpirti shqiptar ka qenë dhe do të jenë gjithmonë pjesë e artit botëror. Eksperienca e një kombi gjatë shekujve është transmetuar nga gjenerata në gjeneratë. Artistët tanë, brenda dhe jashtë vendit, janë ata që e përcjellin atë më së miri. Mjeshtëria e tyre artistike është e pazëvendësueshme në botë.

BRIEF BIO OF CONCERT MAESTRO NERMIN DAJA ZHABJAKU

Nermin Daja Zhabjaku – a pioneer coach-concertmaster at the Albanian National Opera House whose career spans 36 years. She was born in a loving family in her native city, Albania’s capital, Tirana. Showing her love of music early on, she started piano lessons when she was five years old and was enrolled at the artistic Lyceum “Jordan Misja” in Tirana at the age of 10.  Soon after completing her education, she began coaching at the National Opera House. She is one of the pioneers in her profession, with a long-running career. She retired and moved with her family to New York in 1998.

She has performed alongside excellent Albanian Opera singers: Avni Mula, Gaqo Çako, Nina Mula, Luiza Papa, Ramiz Kovaçi, Haxhi Tafaj, Myzejen Mullai, Stavri Rafael, Mentor Xhemali, Shqipe Mingomataj, Ibrahim Tukiçi, Kristaq Paspali, Xhovana Doku, Shqipe Zani, Vangjo Kosta, Hysen Kurti, Burhan Spahiu, Pëllumb Katroshi, Emine Gjata, Hysen Koçia, Edit Mihali, Ruzhdi Karaj, Gjergj Sulioti, Petrika Rëmbeci, Kaman Aliko, Rajmonda Dabulla, Inva Mula, Marjana Leka, Mirela Tafaj, Ymer Kaca, Lindita Lole, Deshira Ahmeti, Era Hoxha, Adrian Xhema, Kastriot Tusha, Oriana Kurteshi, Elona Çeno, Shirli Polena, etc. Her extensive portfolio includes accompaniments of international performers like Filipo Pino, Gianluca Rizzi, Patrick Daniston. The collaborations with composers and conductors such as Mustafa Krantja, Rifat Teqja, Pjetër Gaci, Ermir Krantja, Nikolla Zoraqi, Çesk Zadeja, Feim Ibrahimi, Vitorio Parisi, Alan Aurelia, Manfred Mayerhoffer, etc are productions of fine quality. She has appeared in countless concerts on the Albanian National Television with Opera House soloist and instrumentalists, such as Fatos Jaho, Igli Tuga etc.

For twenty five years she was employed at The Opera Performance Class at the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, Albania, to coach generations of singers who perform internationally to this day. For her many achievements as a musician, Ms. Daja-Zhabjaku was awarded the “Naim Frasheri” Award for Musical Excellence by the Parliament of the Republic of Albania in 1985.-the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Albanian Government at that time. 

She continued her career in the US as a voice and signing coach at Mannes College of Music. For thirteen years, Ms. Nermin Daja Zhabjaku pursued her vocation at the studio of Metropolitan Opera singer Dan Marek, a principal tenor of international stature. An active and reputable performer, she has appeared extensively in shows and productions from Austria, Italy in Europe and throughout the United States.

Throughout her vast professional life, she has received countless honors including prizes and awards from the Artistic Council of the Albanian National Opera. She retired the onstage performance with a milestone concert at Well Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall in 2014 – the first time Albanian classical music was performed at the venue for the full duration of the concert.

She has performed over a thousand concerts and coached hundreds of voices yet never asked to step into the spotlight. On the International Day of Women, we shine a light on the Concert Master Daja Zhabjaku for her pioneer work and her unsurpassed professionalism in Albanian Opera. 

THREE US OFFICES, ONE MESSAGE FOR KOSOVA’S INDEPENDENCE

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by Rafaela Prifti/

On the twelfth year of Kosova’s Independence, the 17th Day of February 2020 was proclaimed “Independence of Kosova Day in the Bronx”.

The Albanian-American Society Foundation, Sons and Daughters of Albania in America and the Albanian Community Center at Enrico Farmi Cultural Center of Belmont Library hosted a special commemoration on February 19th. The state and local offices of the legislative and executive branches converged to signal the importance of the day. The New York State Governor’s Office, the New York State Senate and the Bronx Borough President delivered messages of support reinforcing a strong partnership with the community. 

Mr. Esad A. Rizai, President of the Albanian-American Society Foundation and a central figure who is recognized for his hard work to elevate the community, thanked the distinguished guests and participants. Starting with Ms. Sophia Zayas, Bronx Regional Representative from the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, a senior staff of State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Mr. Rizai acknowledged the community members who were gathered to mark the day, including Ms. Williams of the Belmont library that provided the venue for the event. Speaking on behalf of Governor Cuomo’s office, Ms. Zayas drew attention to “the special place that Albanians have in the diverse Bronx community.” She read out a letter signed by the New York Governor sending greetings for the commemoration of the 12th anniversary of Kosova’s independence, which is “recognized by more than 100 countries including many in the European Union.” On this occasion, governor Cuomo honored the state of Kosova with a proclamation. His letter stated that what is most special about the “the people who have made our state their home,” and are part of the history of Kosova are individuals who have committed incredible acts of courage, inspired by the ideals of freedom. A posthumous citation for his contribution was awarded to Mr. Alush Smajli (Hoti). The New York Governor dedicated a special tribute posthumously to a man “of such rare quality and character as Ali Rizaj,” for demonstrating the highest level of commitment to these ideals. As documented, at a young age, he joined the forces of liberation against the Italian and German occupation. Mr. Ali Rizaj was imprisoned by communists who seized power in Albania after the WWII. He escaped to Kosova where he was arrested and jailed. Forced to leave behind family members, in 1951, Mr. Rizaj migrated to the US. As an activist of undeterred conviction and a valiant freedom fighter, Mr. Ali Rizaj was awarded the presidential medal for his bravery in service of Albania’s Liberation War. His son, Esad A. Rizaj, accepted the proclamation on behalf of his late father, whom he remembers as a man “who fought for what he believed in and believed in what he fought for.”           

Founder and President of the Albanian-American Society Foundation, Mr. Esad A. Rizai, was also delegated to present the proclamations issued by the Bronx Borough President. Mr. Hajdin Alijaj, Vice-President of the organization that promotes Albanian heritage and values, was one of the honorees. He thanked all who made the event possible. “We,” said Mr. Alijaj “are here to honor the heroes for the sacrifices they made for a free and independent Kosova and give our blessings to the United States and NATO nations for ending the war.” A proclamation was issued to Mr. Ali Haxhaj for his one of a kind contribution in turning his own home into a school facility for Albanians subjected to education bans imposed by the Serb regime. The next honoree, Mulla Zeke Berdyna, was cited as “a distinguished religious leader and activist who gave his life for ethnic Albanians and freedom of Kosova, to preserve his proud heritage despite years of imprisonment.” The proclamation presented to salute and honor the legacy of Mulla Zeke Berdyna, read in part that the President of the Borough of the Bronx, with the largest Albanian community in the US, “celebrates the tremendous contributions to culture and history they have and continue to offer our borough, our city”. On behalf of the Berdyna family in Kosova and in the US, their grandson, Fahri, thanked the officials and the organizers, vowing to work harder to show gratitude to ‘this great country.” In acknowledgement of a KLA legendary founder, Adem Jashari, it was proclaimed that February 17, 2020 would be “Independence of Kosova Day in the Bronx. Regarded as the “father of Kosova Liberation Army”, Adem Jashari, is widely considered a symbol of Kosova’s independence by ethnic Albanians. Fifty eight members of his family perished in the attacks that Serbian forces launched at Jashari’s home in Prekaz in March 1998. He was posthumously awarded with the title “Hero of Kosova”. Mr. Qazim Gashi was invited to accept the recognition. To commemorate Kosova’s Independence, Albanian poet and songwriter Isa Brecani addressed the guests. He presented the view that Kosova’s independence has opened the path towards the unification of all Albanian regions. Then he recited three of his original poems dedicated to three heroes: Commander Adem Jashari, General Tahir Sinani and Vezir Ademaj. A commander in the KLA during the Kosova war, Mr. Tahir Sinani was appointed commander in the Kosova Protection Corps after the war, and went on to join the NLA in the Macedonian Conflict in 2001. In his honor, February 17, 2020 was proclaimed “General Tahir Sinani Day”. Proclamation stated that “his life was tragically cut short but the flame of his heroism will always brightly burn for all Albanians.”

Mr. Esad A. Rizai expressed his gratitude to the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and his staff for supporting the community organizations for 11 years. Indeed, the partnership have made possible celebrations of events like the independence of Albania by raising the Albanian flag over the Bronx County Building in 2018 for the first time. In August 2009, the borough joined its Albanian community to honor the most beloved Albanian daughter, Mother Theresa, with her very own street in the Bronx.        

To mark the celebration, the New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi issued a proclamation that was presented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Miguel Rondon. It recognized that “in the nation of Kosova, we have an entity worthy of the highest respect and esteem.” A number of distinguished Albanians like Alush Smajl Hoti received recognition by the New York State Senator’s Office.

Following the official part of the ceremony, attendees were invited to say a few words and share their thoughts and messages. Mrs. Mimoza Dajci, Founder and President of Hope and Peace Foundation, is also a family member of Isa Boletini, an Albanian national hero and visionary. She credited the annual celebrations of independence by the Albanian-American Society Foundation under Mr. Rizai’s leadership to the strong bonds with the Borough and the state level government. In order to better support such partnership, Mrs. Dajci called for a more unified community. Remembering the victims of the Kosova war and the survivors, she placed emphasis on demanding justice for the unpunished sexual crimes of the conflict. On behalf of the Smajli family, Mr. Hoti, presented briefly his grandfather’s bio with emphasis on the contribution of Alush (Ali) for the liberation of ethnic Albanians and the opening of his home to be used as a school facility when the Serbian regime outlawed schooling for Albanians. “Such actions spelled severe consequences,” said Mr. Hoti, yet Alush Smajli set an example of patriotism for his successors and all of us. In reference to present day issues, Mr. Hoti urged for a coordinated effort to advocate for Kosova’s rights. The next speaker was the author of this article who briefly referenced the previous celebrations to drive the point that our community is brought together by common values and traditions to be honored and upheld. Attending the event were Mr. Idriz Lamaj, Executive Council member of Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, and guests from organizations with headquarters in Baltimore, Philadelphia etc. To commemorate the day of Kosova’s Independence, Mr. Egidio Sementilli, Chair of the Bronx Italian-American Cultural Association, highlighted the struggles of the Albanian and Italian community. Reaching back to his childhood years, Mr. Sementilli spoke about his experience as a newly arrived immigrant in the “big family” here in the 70s. From that period to the present, he credited the Albanians with ensuring “the community’s survival in the Bronx.” “And thirty years ago,” Mr. Sementilli said, “Mr. Esad Rizai, made sure that the Albanian community was at the table,” paying tribute to the legacy of the Albanian-American Society Foundation.

Esad Rizaj

At the commemoration of Kosova’s Independence, the 17th Day of February 2020 was proclaimed “Independence of Kosova Day in the Bronx” while the state and local government officials reinforced the strong partnership with the Albanian community.   

  

US CONGRESSMAN ELLIOT ENGEL RECEIVES VATRA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

by

Rafaela Prifti/

US Congressman Elliot Engel was presented with Vatra’s Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Chairman of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, Elmi Berisha, at New York Headquarters on February 29.

In the presence of Vatra’s Deputy Chairmen, Dr. Pashko Camaj and Mr. Ervin Dine, Treasurer Marjan Cubi. Secretary Nazo Veliu, several representatives of the Executive Body and Board of Directors, as well as long-standing Vatra members, Vatra’s Chairman Elmi Berisha introduced Congressman Engel “as a friend to all of us” whom “we cannot thank enough for what you have done for the Albanian people and nation.” The Representative of New York was accompanied by his old-time friend, Mr. Harry Bajrakari, a well-known community patron and influential Albanian-American entrepreneur. Providing a very brief summary of Vatra’s mission and role in the community, Dielli’s Editor of English encapsulated 108 years of the organization’s proud history in a few paragraphs whereas Mr. Harry Bajraktari highlighted Vatra’s place in the long journey for Kosova’s freedom and independence. Mr. Bajraktari credited the US policies and personalities like former President Bill Clinton, Senator Bob Dole along with many others for bringing Kosovo to the world stage. “Vatra is a continuation of the community making a difference for the Albanian nation for over 100 years,” said Mr. Bajraktari. In his first Vatra visit, Congressman Engel recounted the story of the first time “Harry” walked in Mr. Engel’s office in 1989, the year he had just been elected as the Representative of New York and how he had learned about Kosovo’s plight in the late 80s. “Ten years later, the US led NATO bombing campaign brought an end to Kosovo conflict in 1999. Since then, we continued to push for the independence of Kosovo,” said Mr. Engel. He pointed that as the current Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, he is fully committed and vocal in supporting Kosovo in his meetings with statesmen, diplomats and foreign affairs officials representing countries from all over the world. “Although you may not have an elected official of Albanian descent in Congress yet, I do feel that the Albanian fight is truly my fight. Throughout the last decades I have seen the Albanian diaspora in New York flourish to become successful businessmen and professionals. Their stories are similar to the story of my family that immigrated to the US after World War I,” said Congressman Engel. As far as the close friendship with Mr. Bajraktari and the Albanian community, the 16 terms Congressional Democrat, said that Kosovo’s 10th anniversary of independence was another occasion when “Harry and I celebrated together.” Speaking for all Albanians here and abroad, Congressman Engel stated “I am watching your back. I feel that your family is my family.”

His concluding statement was greeted with applause and show of appreciation. Honorary President of Vatra Mr. Agim Rexhaj thanked Congressman Engel for visiting with Vatra. In acknowledgement of his continuous support to Albanians especially Kosovo, Mr. Rexhaj called him “a hero of Albanians”.  Vatra’s Deputy Chairman for Integration and Youth, Mr. Ervin Dine expressed gratitude to Mr. Engel’s decades-long work in advancing Albanians. Touching on the current situation in Albania, Mr. Dine raised the issue of the ongoing erosion of democracy in Albania and efforts that will be needed to address it. Expressing a similar concern, the US Congressman mentioned the troublesome signals coming from Albania’s government and its non-Western partnerships. Bringing in focus the Congressman’s role with regard to economic initiatives. Mr. Harry Bajraktari spoke of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which unlocked a $50 million program for Kosovo’s economy. He mentioned that during his 2019 Balkan trip, Congressman Elliot Engel visited Serbia’s PM, Mr. Vucic in Belgrade, and then travelled to meet Albanian leaders in the Presheva Valley in support of the rights of ethnic Albanians. Also last July, the US Representative of New York attended the inauguration of the new US Embassy in Prishtina, and was honored at a special dedication ceremony that a roadway crossing from Bajram Curri, in Northern Albania to Gjakova, in Western Kosovo was named after him.

Drawing a historic comparison between Kosovo and Chameria, Vatra’s Secretary Mrs. Nazo Veliu spoke of her family members being forced out of their homes and lands in Chameria during the 1944 expulsion by the Greek forces. She implored protection of the rights for the Cham population of Albania reminding Congressman Engel of the strong friendship between the two people: “Albanians are the best friends of America in the world.” Echoing concerns about the installation of ‘a totalitarian system of government in Albania’ and its disregard for the country’s Constitution and rule of law, Mr. Asllan Bushati, long-time Vatra member, pointed out that the dire situation has forced America’s Foreign Affairs officials to choose between stability and democracy, in favor of the former. Mr. Agim Alickaj, Board member of the Albanian American Civic League praised the great work by the incumbent Congressman. He voiced concerns regarding Serbia-Kosovo talks, and the Serbian arbitrary conditioning of the lifting of the tariffs. Mr. Alickaj urged to put more pressure on the administration and called for organizing the diaspora in addressing the issue. In response, Mr. Engel expressed his disapproving view of ‘the selective criticism’ on the tariffs, “Serbia’s campaign in getting EU countries to derecognize Kosova, and blocking it from joining UNESCO, the UN, etc.” Speaking about the administrations, Congressman Engel said “It took great courage for Former President Bill Clinton to order the NATO bombing in order to save the lives of Albanians in Kosovo. Following his presidency, in the next eight years, Former President George W. Bush, of the Republican Party was a supporter of Albanians. Today, we don’t know where the administration stands. I want to be sure that President Trump gets all the facts about Kosova.”

A group of questions addressed the unpunished sexual crimes of the Kosovo war, addressed at a Congressional Hearing by US House Foreign Affairs Committee in February 2019, as the spinning by the Serb propaganda portrays perpetrators as victims; the International Court standards with regard to prosecuting Kosovo and Northern Macedonia cases; and issues of frustration in connection with the lack of public transparency by politicians who gloss over the talks between Prishtina and Belgrade with empty rhetoric and little accountability. Congressman Engel asserted his position of not taking sides in the country’s election, expressing his willingness to work with all parties and to be fair. He recognized that floating ideas of land-swapping and border changes cause more problems with no end in sight in the Balkans. Critical of the EU in the context of Kosova, the longtime Representative for New York said that in the case of the demarcation between Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanians are asked to compromise in return for visa liberalization, which is yet undelivered. At this point, Vatra’s Chairman Mr. Elmi Berisha raised the issue of work visas for Albanian nationals who are qualified professionals to be granted temporary employment by Albanian-American owned companies or businessmen in real estate, construction, restaurant, etc. He affirmed that the proposition benefits the businesses in the US, while contributing to the job market, currently in need of migrants and giving skillful Albanian workers the opportunity to pay taxes in compliance with the law. Congressman Engel, who is running for re-election, stated that he is resolute in supporting the rights of all the Albanian people and in his commitment to the Albanian-American diaspora in the US.  

To honor his decades long work for Albanian issues, the Chairman of Vatra, Mr. Elmi Berisha presented the award and read the citation: In recognition of the decades of service, The Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, proudly presents Outstanding Achievement Award to Congressman Elliot Engel for your contribution to the independence of Kosova, democratization of Albania and advancing of Albanians in the Balkans.

February 29, 2020 New York