The Israeli Ambassador to Tirana, Galit Peleg, reacted in a video message this Wednesday regarding the disrespect of the Israeli flag by Albanian protesters in Tirana and the negative comments she has received on social media about the Israeli people.
According to her, these comments damage the image of Albania and when people express themselves in a racist or anti-Semitic manner, they do not harm Israel or Jews, but themselves.
“Yesterday I published a photo where I called on protesters on the streets of Tirana to respect the Israeli flag that had been placed by the Municipality on the occasion of Israel Cultural Week. There were many comments, some of them supportive, some opposing and some cursing.
First, I want to thank you for commenting, because you contributed to the increase in traffic on social networks.
I don’t want to respond to those who cursed, because they don’t respect me, themselves, and, according to the vocabulary they use, they don’t even respect their mothers.
But I want to say something about the comments on my social networks, as there are some points that need to be clarified.
First, when people say “we don’t hate Jews, we hate Zionists,” I want to clarify what Zionism is.
Being a Zionist means believing that Jews have the right to have their own state and that Israel has the right to exist. This does not indicate support for this or that government or policy.
Secondly, when people say they reject Jared Kushner’s project and therefore hate Jews, Israelis or Zionists, that is anti-Semitism.
Can you imagine if I dislike a Christian person and say I hate all Christians?
Or if I dislike a Muslim person and say I hate all Muslims?
That would be racism. Likewise, generalizing an attitude towards one person and extending it to an entire people is anti-Semitism.
Finally, when people express themselves in a racist or anti-Semitic way, they do not harm Israel or Jews, but they harm Albania, as Albania is known for its generous, hospitable and kind people. These are its values. When you behave like this, cursing and attacking, you are harming the name of Albania.
Regarding the comments about what is happening in the Middle East, between Israel and Gaza, Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Iran, I would be very happy to answer your questions and I promise that if you ask respectfully, I will answer you. Whoever wants to write questions in the comments, I will answer all of you,” she said.