In 1938, when Hitler’s invasion of Austria forced Fritzi Weitzmann Owens to flee her native Vienna, Albania – “a backwards country,” as far as she was concerned – wasn’t her family’s first choice. This is understandebel, because she came from a “cultured city”.

But few places in Europe were willing to accept Jews, and the United States had a quota system. Albania, one of Europe’s least developed countries, became her family’s refuge. Offered visas by King Zog himself, the Weitzmanns spent four months in Albania before finally getting papers for the US.

They lived in a “junk pile” hotel with no running water, but the king – an old friend of her father’s – helped them establish a photography business and the locals brought them homemade cakes.

Thousands of Jews found refuge in Europe’s only Muslim state, where an ancient honor code saw all as guests.
Census information shows that in 1931, there were 200 Jews living in Albania. According to some estimates, that number was 10 or 15 times higher after the war.
Thousands of Jews found refuge in Europe’s only Muslim state, where an ancient honor code saw all as guests.
Census information shows that in 1931, there were 200 Jews living in Albania. According to some estimates, that number was 10 or 15 times higher after the war.

Arround 80 years later…
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Source Cristhian Sience MONITOR