In Salem, Massachusetts, a meaningful event took place at the “Mother Teresa” Senior Center, where members of the Albanian-American community gathered for the screening of the documentary “Ode to the Temples That Were Not Forgotten.” The film focuses on the tragic history of Çamëria, a region whose Albanian population was forcibly expelled in the mid-20th century — a story too long neglected.
Held just days before the Albanian Film Festival at the Fan Noli Cathedral, this event offered a space for thoughtful dialogue, collective remembrance, and emotional connection around one of the most painful chapters of Albanian national history.
The documentary, directed by Pandeli Çeço and featuring a compelling performance by actor Alfred Trebicka, was warmly received by those in attendance — with moments of visible emotion from many viewers.
Special guests included Luan Rama, writer and screenwriter based in Paris; Alket Veliu, President of the Hasan Tahsini Çamëria Foundation; and Bujar Alimani, renowned filmmaker and Artistic Director of the festival. All three, themselves of Cham heritage, brought personal stories, cultural insight, and clear advocacy for truth and justice to the discussion that followed.
The conversation extended beyond the historical context, raising awareness about the lack of institutional recognition both from the Greek government — which has yet to offer an official apology for the massacres of 1944–1945 — and from successive Albanian governments, which have remained largely silent, even indifferent.
Participants emphasized the importance of educating younger generations, particularly in the diaspora, about the story of Çamëria — not as a political dispute, but as a moral and historical responsibility that must be remembered and addressed.
This gathering was not simply a film screening. It was a civic moment of conscience and remembrance — a chance to honor those who suffered, and a reminder that truth, no matter how long suppressed, seeks voice and justice.
Written by: USALB TV
Photos: From the event at the “Mother Teresa” Center, Salem, MA
