By Rafaela Prifti/The November 23rd festivities of Albania’s Independence at the Vanderbilt in Staten Island carried a lot of weight for the Pan-Albanian Federation of America VATRA. Its significance was articulated in these remarks by the President of VATRA, Dritan Mishto, : “After celebrating independence for 107 years, this dinner represents a unique moment. Marko Kepi, a member and VATRA advisor, is facing an uphill battle in his campaign to become a New York Assemblyman. Federation VATRA has joined tonight’s dinner in a show of support for him.”
More than half a dozen members of VATRA including officials, representatives from affiliates as far away as Michigan etc. were present. At the gathering, members of numerous community organizations such as Shoqata Kraja (Kraja Society), Shoqata Dibra (Dibra Society) were joined by fellow Albanian-Americans of various associations representing all Albanian regions. The Honorary guests were former Congressman Michael Grimm, and Albanian acclaimed journalist Marin Mema, a delegation from Montenegro consisting of Faik Nika, Chairman of Albanian Council, Ilir Capuni, Chairman of Ulqin Municipality, Fatmir Gjeka, Chairman of Democratic Party in Ulqin, Naser Resulbegu, Member of the Ulqin City Assembly. Republican representatives from the Brooklyn Southern District and Student Clubs attended the fundraiser.
The presenter Kozeta Turishta, opened the evening by greeting all participants and invited father Hieromonk Nikodhim of Saint Nicholas, Albanian Orthodox Church located in Jamaica Estates. He spoke of two feasts that are happening on Thursday, and the distinction associated with the gathering on Saturday. “On November 28th we’ll celebrate all these years of Albania’s Independence, and also families of all faiths in the United States will gather at the Thanksgiving table… Tonight, we are here to wish well to Marko Kepi, as a son of our own people now striving to serve them even further.”
Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center and the newest NYPD Chaplain, reiterated the multilayered significance and importance of the dinner celebration. “The 107th anniversary of independence is the outcome of the efforts of our ancestors, whereas celebrating the next 107 years of freedom will be out task, will be up to us.” The main point of the gathering, continued Dr. Kukaj, is to support the election of Marko Kepi in the New York Assembly. “In the politics of Europe and the Balkan region, we can place blame on the Italians, Greeks or Serbs, whereas here we cannot fault anyone but ourselves. Moving forward entails rolling up the sleeves rather than complaining.” noted Imam Kukaj as he summed up a principle that will lead to victory in June 2020.
There was a traditional dance number performed by the Young Dance Group of Shoqata Kraja (Kraja Society) that received a lot of cheering and applause.
The next part of the program consisted of congratulatory greetings by the guests of honor. Faik Nika, Chairman of the Albanian Council, Montenegro, pointed out that the evening had gathered members of the community to honor the national flag and the Day of Independence. In expressing his thanks for the host of the event Naser Nika and the Chairman of the Albanian Roots Marko Kepi, he reiterated the vital role carried out by the diaspora in business and economics, political and cultural areas. “In the times of war as well as peace, and any time the homeland called upon the diaspora, it has been there to answer it. The key figures of the independence movement were members of the exiled community. During the years of Kosovo war, the fellow countrymen overseas were again there. In the present days, the Albanian diaspora stands by the needs of the homeland, in education, employment, preserving cultural and national identity etc. We support Marko Kepi in his campaign for the State Assembly recognizing that aside from businessmen, financiers, scientists, educators, artists, Albanians need to have hard-working and visionary individuals in politics who serve the best interests of the public, their communities as well as the homeland.” Singling out Marko’s leadership in the Parade of Nations, a proud display of our national colors, Faik Nika expressed confidence in endorsing Kepi’s candidacy calling on Albanians and Americans alike. “A victory for Kepi is a victory for us!” he said. The next guest, Ilir Capuni, Chairman of the Ulqini Municipality, remarked that he traveled to New York to attend the evening because he fully appreciates the qualities of Marko Kepi and the importance of his political election. He shared his belief that Marko will articulate the concerns of the people he represents not only in the New York Assembly but also in Washington DC, and overseas in Podgorice, Prishtine, Ulqin, Tirane. “In my first visit time to New York, I received a citation from former Congressman Grimm,” said Fatmir Gjeka, Chairman of the Democratic Party, Ulqin, Montenegro, “ I am certain that next time the recognitions will be handed by Assemblyman Marko Kepi. I believe I speak for everyone gathered here from Ana Malit, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, and all over, who are supportive of his campaign and wishing to see Marko win the seat in Albany.” Naser Resulbegu, Member of the City Assembly, Ulqin, joined in the previous fellow guests with his congratulatory messages for independence and a prompt endorsement of the election efforts of Marko Kepi all the way.
The acclaimed TV journalist and producer, Marin Mema, asserted that Albanians need to congregate not only to rally and celebrate, but support one another by putting aside the discords and disagreements. “Let us depart from the historic trait that has harmed our people, namely, the resentfulness and rivalry. While we are successful as individuals, we do not have the same success rate as a whole. The time has come to be successful together as Albanians regardless of the regions we come from, since we all care equally for the future.” Mema underlined that the Albanians of America have been vital to the national interests. In a true campaign speech, the renowned journalist raised the relevant points and energized the dinner celebration. “It is imperative that all of you take a hard look at the ancestors land and help as much as you can. If you don’t do it, no one will. We are fortunate to count on the support of a great ally such as the United States. It is up to us to make it count. I have come here among all of you to celebrate the sacred day of independence and to endorse Marko Kepi. He is a dear friend, who is fully deserving of winning the seat in the Assembly and go further. He is a good Albanian. Let’s not forget! It is not a partisan issue, it is not a Republican or Democrat question. It is simply put an Albanian matter. Will we win or not? As ‘luck’ would have it, the other candidate is a Greek descendant. Marko is the one who will best represent all of us. I fully support him and I will be here each time to stand by Marko Kepi as should all of you in this hall. Let me say once more, stand together because our strength is in our union!”
In the following portion of the evening, the Republican representatives took turns in throwing their support behind the candidate Marko Kepi. “I am from a Sicilian town, home to a large Albanian population,” noted Joe Caldarera, who recently announced his running for Congress. The Brooklyn Prosecutor drew attention to Marko’s qualities and abilities. “Kepi is a man of integrity and good character that everyone should be proud of. He is a man of the highest honor and deep sense of personal responsibility. He is the man you are going to send to Albany and I am sure of it,” said Joe Caldarera.
The President of Brooklyn Young Republican Club, Joel Acevedo indicated that he supports Marko, because he sees in him a person of dedication. “I am a Soldier whereas Marko is a Marine. As a military saying goes, “One Team One Fight”. He is the person who is going to bridge Brooklyn and Staten Island. He is the candidate who will fight for the constituents’ rights. We will have Marko elected in June.”
Liam McCabe, Representative of the Brooklyn Southern District, in his statement arched back to his childhood years. “As an Irish kid who grew up in Brooklyn, I learned early on how to fight and who to join. You do not want to fight the Albanians. You better join them!” he said. Mr. McCabe remembered that the first time he met Marko was on the Congressman Grimm’s campaign eight years ago. “Among our duties, we were handing out flyers. Marko showed courage and grit in going door to door with the campaign material.” And he made the point that Marko will employ the same grit as a representative in Albany.
Michaela Marmorato, the John Jay College Republican student, stated that as an advocate for justice she had met Marko recently and fully believes that he will advocate for all of the New Yorkers who seek justice.
Michael Grimm, the Campaign Chairman of Marko Kepi and a Marine Corps veteran, said that he was honored to call Marko “a brother because he is a US Marine, and as someone who has been in combat, I know that Marko Kepi will never leave me behind. And I promise that he will never leave you behind,” said former Congressman Grimm as he invited Marko for his address.
Very composed and personable, he started by thanking everyone who had sent their condolences to his family who lost the grandfather recently. “As we celebrate Albania’s independence, we wish that one day we will cheer for the independence of the Albanian nation because united we break down the barriers and move forward, because united we are stronger and have a bright future in Europe…” Marko began thanking a list of organizations, supporters and volunteers. Shoqata Kraja (Kraja Society) consistently supports his candidacy, as they recognize the importance of electing an Albanian-American from Staten Island. “Looking back,” he said, “Albanians have been represented by foreigners at different points in history since they were treated as minorities. Here in Staten Island and Brooklyn, Albanians live in large numbers, a large enough majority to elect a representative.” He continued with the acknowledgements. “I thank the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, that hosts the Independence Day celebration each year. This year Vatra joined with us and the community, being fully aware of the importance of having a fellow countryman as a representative. Thank you to members of Shoqata Dibra (Dibra Society) and Committee who have been standing by actively promoting events with us. Thank you to Naser Nika, tonight’s host and a dear friend, who insisted that we have a dinner party in Staten Island. As the first fundraiser effort, I was nervous. Naser made it all possible.” When it came to volunteers, he thanked Jasin Gjokaj, who is born and raised in America, and he graduated from High-School last year as the top student in Business, Marketing, Math and Science Tests in Staten Island. Then he thanked the guests from Montenegro, the Republican representatives, and the singers and dancers.
“Thank you for supporting my campaign not because I am a candidate but because I am your son. I have been with you in protests and parades in numerous events covering a number of issues. At this time, your son has the opportunity to become a politician.” In the end, Marko shared something personal. “In the morning hours before work, instead of drinking coffee, I enjoy listening to music. In particular, one Albanian song powers me up more than multiple cups of coffee. Let me recite some verses here:
No religion and no party, / Can split the Albanian country.”
In his address, the President of the Pan-Albanian Federation VATRA, referred to the illustrious past of the 107 year old organization that bridges the old and new century with generations of proud and dedicated Vatrans, “As a champion of the independence movement and later on of safeguarding it, VATRA is twice as much responsible in leading the efforts to serve the national interest. As the years of independence march forward, so does VATRA evolve in its progress and advancement. Chairman Dritan Mishto voiced some harsh criticism directed at the impact of the political landscape in the Balkan region. With reference to the domestic front, “The absolute rule of the Socialist government and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama have resulted in an autocracy, with its concentration of powers, putting at risk the future and the safety of democratic standards and imposing an hindrance in terms of the extended time it will take to remedy such perversions. In the international arena, VATRA has struck down each attempt to erode the relationship with the United States and the disregard towards the sympathetic suggestions by the American allies.” He identified a contrast that is presently at the heart of the issue: lack of advocacy and the strength of civic awareness. “Albanians in the Balkans are in dire need of having an advocate on their side. At the same time, they ought to be increasingly aware of the power and influence they have in their own hands.”
In his remarks, Chairman of VATRA Federation touched on the 110th anniversary of newspaper Dielli,the longest running periodical of the Albanian press. “The year 2019 marks an important celebration for the Albanian world, the 110th anniversary of Dielli, organ of Vatra Federation, which continuous to be in circulation to this day, as a respected moral authority for the advancement of the national intellect.”
Coming to the point of the event of November 23rd, Dritan Mishto stated “After celebrating independence for 107 years, this dinner holds special importance because Marko Kepi, a member and advisor of VATRA, is facing an uphill battle in his campaign to become a New York Assemblyman. And VATRA has joined the festivities tonight in a show of support for him.
“As a leader with the Albanian Roots, Marko Kepi has been at the front of the parades advocating for the issues that matter to Albanians in Albania, Kosova, Presheva Valley, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Chameria, Italy’s Arberesh etc. We are proud of Marko Kepi and wholeheartedly wish him success. With young man like Marko and other good Albanians who have emerged as part of efforts to confront the nationwide challenges, we are confident that we’ll reach our historic objectives.”
The evening’s artistic program included singers Alma Velaj, Nazife Bunjaku, Agron Maqellara, Valdet Duka and music by Ilir Gjecbritaj. In between the dance numbers of the Kraja Dance group, I asked one of the choreographers, Nadia Hoxha, permission to take a picture of one of the young dancers and speak briefly with them. Melinda Djekovic said that the dancers, who attend different schools in Staten Island, rehearsed frequently. Asked what folk dancing means to her, Melinda said that it feels good to perform the dances of her ancestors who came from the home country.
Marko Kepi a leading activist of the community announced that he is running for the Republican seat in the New York State Assembly on September 24. Dielli filed a full report on the launch of the campaign. https://gazetadielli.com/marko-kepi-officially-announces-bid-for-new-york-state-assembly/