BESA: Muslims Who Saved Jews In World War II, by Norman H. Gershman, is an extremely compelling and heart-warming book, containing both photographs and short biographies of individuals who risked their own lives in order to help save Jewish individuals.

The book’s Forward was written by Morecai Paldiel, Director of Special Projects, The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. In it he states, “But their fate there was altered by an ancient and sacrosanct Albanian principle known as Besa – one’s word of honor. In Albania, when a person gives you his Besa to act in a certain way, then he is committed to abide by it whatever the circumstances“. And, so these particular Muslim individuals fulfilled their ‘Besa”, knowing their lives and the lives of their family members were at stake. Gershman’s photographs taken of the living individual rescuers, and of their family members, speak louder than words ever could, and resound through the pages of BESA: Muslims Who Saved Jews In World War II.

The Introduction was written by Akbar Ahmed, and he states, “In rescuing from the dustbin of history this story of Muslims saving Jews during the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Albania, Norman H. Gershman has fostered dialogue and understanding between Jews and Muslims“.

The extraordinary photographs taken by Gershman offer an incredible perspective of the humanity of the Muslim community of individuals in Albania and surrounding areas who helped to save Jews during World War II. Each black and white photograph paints a vivid portrait of the person/s depicted. Their faces are filled with character lines, lines of beauty, strength, honesty, and respect for life and humankind. Their expressions relate their stories in an overwhelming and profound manner, putting the face to the biography.

Many of the photographs contain a photograph-within-the-photograph. The individual/s depicted (sons, daughters, and other relatives) are seen holding a photograph of their deceased Muslim family member/s who helped to save Jews. It is both heart-wrenching and inspiring simultaneously, and the visual impact is extremely powerful. Some individuals are holding a Certificate of Honor given to them, or given to a family member, by Yad Vashem, recognizing them as Righteous Among the Nations.

The short biographies of the individuals are a lovely compliment to their portrait, giving the reader facts surrounding their courageous deeds. But, the photographs, those amazing and overwhelming photographs speak for themselves. They will be etched in my mind indefinitely. They are a poignant tribute, and are a beautiful and lasting humanitarian undertaking. They are a reminder of how cultural and spiritual diversities can cross boundaries, in the issues of humankind. These individuals and their courageous, kind and caring acts have been finally documented, documented by Norman H. Gershman.

So little is known about these historical endeavors and deeds, in which the Muslims were committed to a cause and fulfilled their Besa, and in my opinion it is about time that it has been brought to the forefront. The world needs to know about the positives and goodness, and not just the negatives that Muslims have done. I have learned so much through reading the biographies and viewing the photographs contained within the pages of BESA: Muslims Who Saved Jews In World War II.

I can’t begin to articulate how strongly I feel about this extraordinary book. Norman H. Gershman has done the world a great service. His humanistic project has allowed those courageous Muslim individuals from Albania and surrounding areas to be honored eternally. Their names will will be etched in history through the decades. BESA: Muslims Who Saved Jews In World War II is a book that belongs in every household. It is displayed prominently in my living room, sitting with other Holocaust and World War II books that I treasure.

I leave you with quotations from two of the individuals who appear in the book…two Muslims whose thoughts speak to me.

“All of us villagers were Muslims. We were sheltering God’s children under our Besa. Lime Balla

“God is in every pore and every cell, therefore all are God’s children. There cannot be infidels. There cannot be discrimination. If one sees a good face one is seeing the face of God.” Haxhi Dede Reshat Bardhi
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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