A new study has found traces of rhetorical antisemitism present in Albanian discourse. This presents itself mainly in the form of conspiracy theories about Jewish people controlling the world order and economy, and more frequently, allegations of George Soros influencing Albanian politics.
The report, conducted by US-based International Republican Institute said that a link between the conspiracy narrative and antisemitic hate speech against Soros serves to antagonize the left-right political divide in the country. It also puts citizens at more risk of falling foul to dangerous conspiracy theories.
“The link between the conspiracy narrative and hate speech against George Soros, and allegations about Jews and their power as a collective is not always self-evident. AntiSoros rhetoric exacerbates the antagonism between left and right political actors in Albania, their allies, and their supporters. It also aggravates the existing vulnerability of average citizens to disinformation and conspiracy theories.”
It also noted that although there are few far-right organizations in the country, there are individuals who sympathize with far-right ideologies.
“Certain groups, political actors, and subcultures endorse at least part of such doctrines,” the report noted.
Overall, the report found that there were few other instances of antisemitic discourse in public life. They did note however that there’s a long history of political actors” who promote a so-called ‘rescue narrative’ that to some extent idealizes and celebrates the actions Albanians took during WWII to protect Jewish people.
Politicians then link this with good diplomatic relations with Israel and use it to suggest that there is a minimal presence of antisemitism in the country.
The media also reflects a narrative of historic friendships between the two peoples, and excellent bilateral relations.
“Media coverage pays significant attention to mutual state visits, the commemoration of the Holocaust and the protection of Jews in Albania during World War II, Israeli investments in Albania in various sectors, and the history of Jews overall.”
This was strengthened following the earthquake, the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, and Albania’s adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in late 2020.
Asides from the antisemitic anti-Soros rhetoric, another threat is the presence of highly radicalized Islamic groups, according to the report.
As of 2017, there are some 50 Jewish people in Albania. The country also teaches the Holocaust in schools, has the Solomon Museum in Berat, the National Museum of Jews in Vlora, a memorial to the Holocaust, and an exhibition in the National Museum in Tirana.
University of Tirana Professor Dr. Tonin Gurjarj explained that;
“Albania has perpetuated its friendship with Israel through symbols such as the naming of streets (Jewish Street in Berat and Vlora), as well as the Holocaust commemoration every January 27 by the Albanian Parliament, the establishment of museums for the history of Jews in Albania, high-level conferences, publications and through continuous exchanges between the two nations.”
