Albania’s chief rabbi, Yoel Kaplan, sparked outrage with a video showing him celebrating the destruction in Gaza and leading Israeli troops in prayer. Kaplan, an Israeli officer, left Albania after the Hamas attack on the south, which led to significant casualties on both sides.
Since then, the conflict has escalated, resulting in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. Kaplan’s appointment as chief rabbi in 2010 was contested by Albania’s Jewish community, with 34 members signing a letter against him.
Calls for removal
Pro-Palestine groups, including Palestina e Lirë, are calling for Kaplan’s removal from his religious duties in Albania. They urge Prime Minister Edi Rama to declare him persona non grata. The group also asks Albania’s Jewish community to denounce Kaplan’s actions.
Amidst criticism, Kaplan was honored by Kosovo in 2020 and is involved with the Chabad Lubavitch movement, promoting Orthodox Jewish practices globally.
Despite his humanitarian efforts, Kaplan’s involvement in the Gaza conflict has drawn sharp condemnation. Activists highlight his actions during a critical time when the ICJ has ruled against Israel’s presence in the occupied territories.
