"There is a great benefit in ethnography, of speaking with people
in order to understand their histories and cultures, and this is
what Gershman has magnificently accomplished in
Besa. Gershman's book, with its moving stories and
images, is a wonderful tool in the effort to promote dialogue and
understanding within the Abrahamic religions."  Click here to read the full review. 

"An extremely compelling and heart-warming book. I can't begin to articulate how strongly I feel about this extraordinary book. Norman H. Gershman has done the world a great service." Click here to read more from this 2008 best blog nominee.

"Required Reading", New York Post's Billy Heller.

"I was deeply moved by this collection of stories describing how
Albanian Muslims saved Jews during the German occupation during World
War II."

Click here to read a Jerusalum Post review.

"A haunting look at the power of love, compassion and generosity to unite faiths and deliver genuine salvation.  This illustrated oral history will fascinate." 
Publishers Weekly

"In these tumultuous times, where rifts and rivalries, intolerance and war, explode around us,these stories of compassion and commonality feel like a vital step
toward healing the world." --Amy Reiter, Editor, Salon and Barnes and Noble review.  Click here to read the full review.

"This book restores one's faith in humanity. Goodness and caring for
one's fellow human beings know no bounds of country or religion. This
is a little known story of one country and one people's humanity and
goodness. Yes, they are Muslims and yes they rescued Jews. How
inspiring to read their stories. The photographs speak volumes. In this
precarious world of ours this story gives one hope and knowledge of the
goodness that humans are capable of. Thank you, Mr. Gershman for
enlightening us and telling this dramatic and inspiring story. The
photographs are beautiful. A must book for all time!" --Amazon.com book review

"Norman H. Gershman's black-and-white photographs and captions bring to life
the heroic tales of rescuers and the pride of their descendants."--Hadasah magazine. Click here , then go to Hadasah Magazine Current Issue, then Books, to read more.

"The pictures alone, when you see them will alternately bring you to
tears and make you proud of the good of which humanity is capable."  Read more by clicking the link below.

Tikun Olam-תקון עולם: Make the World a Better Place

What People Are Saying:

"Through the eyes of Norman H. Gershman, we can see that beyond our individual identities and desires, there is a common core of self, an essential humanity whose nature is peace, whose expression is thought, and whose action is unconditional love." --Madam Jehan Sadat

"The tradition of Besa, about which [Norman H. Gershman has] chosen to educate and illuminate the world, is powerful, meaningful, and ever so appropriate for the current obsticles to peace that we face today."--Tom Lantos

"I hope that these photos and their stories become widely known.  They offer hope for a future in which Muslims and Jews can overcome their conflicts and focus on their common humanity." --President Jimmy Carter"