Introducing Jaldi Bendaj. We first met Jaldi last year through the Australian Dental Foundation, where he serves as the Operations Manager. Our encounter was part of our Cost of Living Initiative with the Melbourne Jewish Charity Fund and CCare.
During our meeting, Jaldi proudly shared his family’s deep-rooted relationship with the Jewish community, spanning back to World War II when Albania provided refuge to its Jewish families. These stories, passed down through generations, fill him with immense pride for his family’s role in protecting Jewish people.
Since then, we’ve had the privilege of spending significant time with Jaldi. Through the Australian Dental Foundation, he has facilitated free dental care for all children in our community. Recently, Jaldi and his family, including his father visiting from Albania, visited the Jewish Holocaust Museum of Australia. They were accompanied by Nina Bassat and Natalie Bassat, and guided through the museum by CEO Steven Cooke.
We invite you to hear about their inspiring visit and Jaldi’s reflections on his immigrant experience and the current climate of antisemitism in Australia. Jaldi also shares insights about Albania and recommendations for anyone planning to visit the region, offering valuable travel tips.
