TIRANA, Albania (JTA) — One block off Tirana’s Skanderbeg Square, Harel Kopelman is bringing traditional Albanian culture — in the form of dazzling wedding rituals, colorful costumes and delicious wines and cheeses — to foreigners visiting what was once one of Europe’s most brutal dictatorships.

Albanian Night, a medieval mix of Balkan sights, sounds and tastes, is run by Kopelman, a 31-year-old Israeli-born ex-yeshiva student who grew up in Sunnyvale, California.

After earning a master’s degree in business analytics from Fordham University, Kopelman ended up in Albania by chance four years ago while traveling the globe.

“I fell in love with the country,” said Kopelman, who now speaks fluent Albanian in addition to his native Hebrew and English. “People are super friendly, everything is accessible, and you’re close to nature. It’s like the Wild West, because it’s an untapped market.”

For Israelis at least, Albania is about to get a lot more accessible. Next week, El Al will launch direct, nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and Tirana through its low-cost subsidiary, Sundor.

Meri Kumbe, Albania’s ambassador to Israel, said that among other things, the new service — set to operate three times a week — “will give Israelis an excellent opportunity to discover the historical significance of Albania’s role in saving Jews during the Holocaust.”

In a recent press release, Sundor CEO Gal Gershon called Albania a “small, Israeli-friendly country that’s ranked as one of the safest” by Israel’s National Security Council.

“We’re witnessing increased demand for flights to Balkan countries, which are known for great food, stunning landscapes and excellent value for money — qualities Israelis love,” Gershon said. “Our new route to Tirana will strengthen Israel’s ties with these countries and offer Israelis their favorite vacation experiences just a short flight away.”

In 2024, Albania welcomed 11.7 million foreigners and ranks among the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.

Among the many sites being constructed to draw tourists are not one but two Jewish museums — one in Vlora and another in Tirana. It’s a remarkable number for a country that, according to the World Jewish Congress, is home to only about 60 Jews.

New hotels are also springing up — including one backed by US President Donald Trump’s Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama approved Kushner’s bid to build a five-star hotel complex on the offshore island of Sazan, The New York Times reported in January. The $1.4 billion project would turn a “former military base into a vibrant international destination for hospitality and wellness,” the newspaper said.

Albania again made headlines last month after Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Trump was pushing Rama to accept 100,000 Palestinian refugees so........

© The Times of Israel