Jewish Continuity, Despite the Odds

Since its arrival in the 14^th century, the small Jewish community of Albania has been caught up in a constant tide of change.  From a dramatically diminished community life after World War I to a continuously dwindling membership as today’s younger generation seeks better prospects elsewhere, the modern heritage of Albanian Jewry has been one of struggle for survival.

But Albania’s 39 remaining Jews have JDC moral and material support in their ongoing quest for unity and security.  JDC helps them explore their Jewish roots and ensures their physical well-being while enabling them to coalesce into a more formal community, despite their uncertain future.

After the Communist ouster in late 1990, the majority of Albanian Jews made aliyah.  Those who stayed behind lived scattered around the country, connected to one another only through an unofficial network –- everyone knew everyone else.  And although they were completely assimilated, almost everyone knew something about Pesach.

So when JDC launched its Albania program in 1995, it prioritized bringing Albanian Jews together -- through welfare initiatives and Jewish renewal activities –- and began with a Passover seder, the first community-wide celebration in nearly three-quarters of a century.  Since then, JDC has overcome the lack of local Jewish resources and infrastructure by bringing in Jewish educators to run holiday programs and gradually training community members to organize additional activities. 

While most Albanian Jews predict that the Jewish presence in the country will come to an end over the next several decades, they also believe that a proud history against all odds will remain their legacy long after they have gone.