Minister Hoxhaj condemns vandalism desecrating the Jewish cemetery in Prishtina

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“The Kosovo Government strongly condemns such destructive and offensive actions. We share a similar history with the Jewish community and we value highly our shared history in Kosovo. Such unacceptable acts are considered an offense to the persons buried in this treasured cemetery, an offense to the past that we share with the Jewish community and an offense toward our struggle to protect our rich cultural heritage”, wrote Minister Hoxhaj in the letter, adding that Kosovo’s cultural heritage is considered the cultural heritage of the world.

Minister Hoxhaj emphasized that the Kosovo Government will continue to work to protect cultural and historic locations such as the Jewish Cemetery, which is our shared responsibility.

“In June we welcomed the considerate work and kindness of volunteers and students from Dartmouth University and AUK in restoring the Jewish Cemetery in Prishtina. We hope that this vandalism will not discourage such admirable work and objectives. The Kosovo Government remains committed to protecting this location and supports good attempts to protect our historic locations”, said Minister Hoxhaj.

At the end of the letter, Minister Hoxhaj said that the Kosovo authorities are initiating a detailed investigation and are determined to bring the offenders to justice.

“We remain hopeful in strengthening the important friendly relations between the Jewish community in Kosovo and the people of Kosovo”, said Hoxhaj.

In a letter sent to the American Congressman Eliot L. Engel, Minister Hoxhaj expressed his deep indignation at the vandalism desecrating the Jewish cemetery in Prishtina.