THE RESCUE OF JEWS IN KOSOVA

This study examines the historical context of the rescue of Jews in Kosova during World War II, focusing on the geopolitical shifts following Albania's invasion by the Italian Army. The objective is to analyze how the Albanian administration's decisions affected the Jewish community during this period. Utilizing recently published documents from Albanian archives, the research highlights the actions taken by the Albanian government when confronted with German requests for the identification and persecution of Jews. The findings reveal that most Jews had relocated to inner Albania by late 1943, with the Albanian administration maintaining a stance of non-cooperation with German authorities. It is concluded that Albanians played a crucial role in saving Jews within their jurisdiction, although the separate circumstance in Çamëria led to suffering for many Jews there. This paper emphasizes the importance of internal policies and community actions in the salvation of Jews during a time of widespread persecution, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Albania's role in protecting its Jewish population during the Holocaust.