“At a time when the world closed its doors to Jewish people Albania extended its arm of hospitality. Even among the devastation and death, there were heroes and rescuers and this is important to teach as well” Yael Weinstock Mashbaum,Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
Every year on January 27-th the entire world commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on human rights and dignity. On this symbolic day the Albanian-American Development Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Vlora signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Albanian Jewish Museum project.
The Albanian Jewish Museum is an integral part of the re-vitalization of Vlora’s Historical center project. As one of its kind in Albania and the region, this museum will serve as a cultural magnet and present the unique story of Albanians and Jews throughout the history, especially during II-nd WW. It will set a new standard for museums in Albania in terms of management, architecture, exhibition and education.
After closing its preliminary research phase, the initiative of Albanian- American Development Foundation Albanian supported by Ministry of Culture and Vlore municipality is now in its second phase, dedicated to the architectonic and exhibition development project.
The conceptual framework for the museum, designed by AADF together with the consultant Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett proposes the development of a 21-century museum, deeply connected to the place, to those who once lived there and to those who live there today.