Votra Magazine honors the legacy of a scholar, survivor, and advocate for human rights
On November 27, 2024, the world bid farewell to Dr. Sami Repishti, a luminary of the Albanian-American community and a tireless advocate for freedom, democracy, and human dignity. Passing peacefully surrounded by his family, Dr. Repishti leaves behind a legacy as a witness to history, a champion of human rights, and a voice for Albania’s struggle for liberty and justice.
Born in Shkodër, Albania, in 1925, Sami Repishti’s life journey was marked by extraordinary resilience. A student activist during the Italian occupation, he was arrested and brutally tortured for his opposition to Albania’s Stalinist regime. Sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in 1947, he endured unimaginable conditions in prisons and forced labor camps, including the infamous Maliq swamp. His writings bear witness to the horrors he and countless others endured, capturing the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream of freedom.
In 1959, following his release from prison, he fled Albania under perilous circumstances, leaving behind his family, who continued to suffer under the regime’s oppression. After brief stays in Yugoslav and Italian refugee camps, he emigrated to the United States in 1962, where he built a new life rooted in education, activism, and public service.
An Intellectual Force and Advocate for Human Rights
Dr. Repishti pursued academic excellence with unwavering determination. He earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in French literature, completing rigorous studies at the Sorbonne and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Over a career spanning 25 years, he served as an educator and department chair in New York public schools while also teaching at Adelphi University.
His literary contributions include Pika Loti – Tregime Burgu (Tears of Sorrow: Prison Stories) and Nën Hijen e Rozafës (In the Shadow of Rozafa), along with numerous essays and studies on Albania and Kosovo. A prolific writer, his work resonates with themes of survival, justice, and hope, serving as a moral compass for future generations.
Dr. Repishti’s unwavering commitment to Albania and Kosovo earned him respect far beyond the Albanian community. He testified before the U.S. Congress, advocated for Kosovo’s independence, and maintained close ties with key American political institutions, including the State Department and the White House. His efforts helped to galvanize support for Albanian causes during critical moments in history.
A Life Dedicated to Community and Family
Dr. Repishti co-founded and led several prominent Albanian-American organizations, including the Kosovo Relief Fund and the National Albanian-American Council. He worked tirelessly to unite the diaspora in support of Albania and Kosovo, embodying the values of solidarity and collective action.
Despite the immense challenges he faced, Dr. Repishti cherished his family above all. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana, their two children, Daren and Ava, and five grandchildren. His family’s love and support were a source of joy and strength throughout his remarkable life.
“Freedom, Peace in the World, and Understanding”
These were the final wishes of Dr. Sami Repishti—a poignant reminder of the values he held dear. He envisioned a world where freedom prevails, where peace is universal, and where understanding bridges divides.
We at Votra Inc. extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Repishti’s family, friends, and the entire Albanian and Albanian-American community. His legacy as a scholar, activist, and humanist will forever inspire us to strive for a better world.
May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.
