Explicit calls to attack Jewish institutions in Albania, including the country's only synagogue, have appeared on social media in recent days amid a wave of anti-government protests, raising concern within the local Jewish community.
Although the demonstrations themselves do not appear to be directed against Jews, the threatening messages circulating online have unsettled community members.
Jewish worshippers praying in Albania
(Video: Jewish Community of Albania)
Albania's chief rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, sought to reassure the community with a public statement expressing confidence in the Albanian people.
"Albanians are a people of peace," Kaplan said. "I am absolutely certain they will not harm the synagogue or the fabric of Jewish life in the country."
A police vehicle near a Jewish institution in Albania
(Photo: Jewish Community of Albania)
Kaplan emphasized the historic relationship between Albanians and Jews, particularly the protection that Albanians provided to Jews during the Holocaust, often at great personal risk. He pointed to Besa, the traditional Albanian code of honor, as a defining element of that relationship.
Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, Albania's chief rabbi and Chabad emissary
(Photo: Jewish Community of Albania)
"Since the Holocaust, when Albanians risked their lives to protect Jews because of their ethical code of honor, Besa, we have known that the government and citizens stand with us," Kaplan said.
Despite the threats circulating on social media, members of Albania's Jewish community continue to express confidence in their relationship with the wider population, hoping that the country's longstanding tradition of solidarity with Jews will prevail over the extremist rhetoric.