• |Published: Jan. 15, 2025,

By 

• John Benson, special to cleveland.com

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Nearly 100 years after the beginning of the Holocaust, new stories about the state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime continue to be told.

That includes “Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust,” which will be highlighted through a photo exhibition and series of programs now through March 31 at the Lakewood Public Library.

“Visiting scholars and authors will be giving talks about their books at the library and will discuss what relevance the stories of Muslims saving Jews during the Holocaust have today,” Lakewood Public Library Director James Crawford said.

“We invite patrons to attend and read and learn more. These stories offer hope.”

During World War II, Albania was the only European nation that opened its borders unconditionally to anyone fleeing persecution.

That’s because Besa, the code of honor shared by Albanians of all faiths, instructs that a stranger in need who knocks on your door is your brother and that you shall save and protect him even at the risk of your own life.

Not only was that philosophy embraced by Albanians of all faiths — Muslims, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians — but by Muslims throughout the world who put their lives at risk to save Jews during the war.

So far, Crawford said patrons have responded favorably and with keen interest regarding the exhibition of Norman Gershman photographs.

“Most were unaware that Muslims throughout the world had saved Jews during the Holocaust,” he said.

Religion and philosophy professor Mehnaz M. Afridi, a Holocaust scholar and the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center director at Manhattan College, said that’s a familiar response to the exhibit.

As a Muslim, Afridi, who authored the 2017 book “Shoah Through Muslim Eyes,” brings an important perspective to remembering the Holocaust.

“Today, we find ourselves grappling with considerable polarization, negative discourse on social media and widespread divisiveness — including conflict and war,” she said.

“In this challenging landscape, the library has accomplished a remarkable feat by showcasing the peaceful and brave relationships that have existed between Jewish and Muslim communities.

“It’s essential to recognize that our understanding of each other has often been clouded by political narratives that overlook the intricacies and context of our shared history,” she said.

“This exhibit serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and encouraging us to reevaluate our perceptions, particularly regarding our historical interactions.”

Afridi will be at the Detroit Avenue branch at 2 p.m. Jan. 25 for the screening of the 2012 documentary “Besa: The Promise” in the main library auditorium.

She noted that despite the backdrop of conflict between Jews and Muslims, the exhibit highlights poignant examples of shared humanity.

It illustrates that people — irrespective of their faith — are willing to help and protect each other, even at great personal risk.

“I hope visitors will leave the exhibit with a more humanized view of one another and an appreciation for the positive and courageous stories that exist between Jewish and Muslim communities,” she said.

“Ultimately, the message I wish to convey is one of empathy, highlighting the potential for understanding and kindness amidst the backdrop of division.

“It is crucial that we recognize and celebrate these narratives that remind us of our shared humanity.”

Read more news from the Sun Post Herald.