NORMAN GERSHMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE

Global Partnerships

In 2003, Norman Gershman traveled to Albania and Kosova with photographer Stuart Huck from Aspen, Colorado to meet, and photograph the descendents of Albanian rescuers of Jewish people during WWII.

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In his interviews, he always asked them why they had rescued Jews. Their response was BESA, the code of honor deeply rooted in Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims, who believe that every man is his brother"s keeper. It exemplifies what is possible when humans act at their highest potential. People fought for the privilege of saving a Jew, not killing one. Albania"s King Zog personally issued more than 400 visas. Among the people he rescued were 13-year-old Fritzi Weitzman and her family of 11, from Vienna. He helped them to re-establish the family"s photography business in Albania, and rescued one of their relatives from a concentration camp.

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Years later, King Zog, in exile, found out that the Ostereichers, Austrian court jewelers whom he had rescued, were alive but destitute in England. He promptly returned the crown jewels he had commissioned from them, to give this family an opportunity to rebuild their lives. “There was no government conspiracy, no underground railroad, no organized resistance — only individual Albanians acting to save lives,” says Mr. Gershman. “My portraits and their stories are meant to reflect their humanity, their dignity, their religious and moral convictions, and their quiet courage. Gershman further explains this extraordinary code of honor: “If there is a knock on the door, take responsibility because every knock on the door is a blessing from God.” As a photographer and Jew, this is visceral in me and the reason why I was compelled to tell this story.