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The Muslim nation that saved Jews
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drawingroom/the-muslim-nation-that-saved-jews/6390888At the end of World War Two, only one European nation could boast a larger Jewish population than it had at the start of the war.
Despite being occupied by Italy and then Germany, Albania not only protected its Jewish population but offered refuge to Jews from elsewhere in the region—and this is a country with a Muslim majority.
The reason for this heroism lies in a concept known as Besa. It's an Albanian word meaning 'to keep a promise'.
Dashmir Balla, former president of the Albanian Australian Islamic Society, says it's a code of respect deeply embedded in Albanian culture.
Despite being occupied by Italy and then Germany, Albania not only protected its Jewish population but offered refuge to Jews from elsewhere in the region—and this is a country with a Muslim majority.
The reason for this heroism lies in a concept known as Besa. It's an Albanian word meaning 'to keep a promise'.
Dashmir Balla, former president of the Albanian Australian Islamic Society, says it's a code of respect deeply embedded in Albanian culture.
