On Thursday, President Isaac Herzog visited Albania, marking the first time an Israeli president has traveled to the Balkan nation. During his visit, Herzog met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, where the leaders discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the importance of international unity in bringing hostages back home.
Herzog was accompanied by Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon Ohel, one of the 101 hostages still held captive by Hamas. In a poignant moment, Prime Minister Rama, known for his passion for art, presented Idit with a book of his paintings as a gesture of solidarity, emphasizing Albania’s commitment to supporting the return of the hostages. “I pray for Alon to come back,” Rama said, expressing sympathy for the families affected by the conflict.
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President Herzog thanked Albania for its unwavering support since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, highlighting the country’s position on the “right side of history.” He stressed that hostages in Gaza remain in “cruel bondage,” in violation of humanitarian norms, and called on the global community to act decisively. Herzog also underscored the broader threat posed by Iran, which he described as a “common enemy” linking all agents of terror against Israel.
Prime Minister Rama announced the opening of a new Albanian commercial liaison office in Jerusalem, marking a significant upgrade in diplomatic relations. This decision represents a deepening friendship between the two nations and a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Rama reiterated his support for Israel, calling the events of October 2023 a tragedy not only for Israel but for the entire world. He called for global remembrance of the horrors to prevent future atrocities. “If we forget, history may repeat itself, and this would be a sin of all humanity,” he warned.