In Muslim majority Albania, the word “besa” means to keep a promise and to look after ones guests which fits nicely with the teachings of the Quran. Thankfully, during World War II, Albania took this notion to heart when it offered refuge to Jews escaping the Nazis. In the past few years, Jewish survivors have returned to Albania to thank these Muslim heroes.
“Besa” and The Holocaust
Original article by Barbara Heggen published in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on 04/14/2015