STATEN ISLAND, NY — Hundreds of Albanian Americans and local officials gathered on Nov. 30 to dedicate “Isa Boletini Way” at the intersection of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue. The street sign now stands meters from “Ismail Qemali Road,” which was named two years ago, symbolically uniting two Albanian national heroes who never met in life.
The ceremony brought together government officials from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania, along with New York state and city leaders. Naser Nika, president of the Albanian American Association of Staten Island, led the multi-year effort to secure the street naming.
“Today, we are not simply naming a street. Today, we are honoring our history, our roots, and the figures who gave us a national identity,” Nika told the gathering.
The event opened with the national anthems of the United States and Albania, performed by an NYPD officer and singer Ilsi Ademi. A ceremonial squad from the NYPD and Albanian American police officers from the Illyrian Society marched with American and Albanian flags. Imam Edin Gjoni delivered a blessing and message of unity.
The November 2025 street naming ceremony brought together the two national figures who never met in life but now stand together on Staten Island.Photos courtesy of Naser Nika
Moderator Bledar Maqellara credited Nika’s dedication to achieving the street naming. “For years he gathered documents, signatures, held meetings, wrote letters, and often spent his own money and many sleepless nights. Yet, he accomplished his mission,” Maqellara said.
Nika described Boletini as “a man who never separated his weapon from his body, his soul from his homeland, and his faith from the flag.” He recalled Boletini’s words: “I am well when Albania is well.”
“This is proof that our community is organized, strong, and respected. It is proof that our work, unity, and investment in culture and history bring results,” Nika said.
Faton Peci, newly elected mayor of Mitrovica, said the street naming “symbolizes the Albanian struggle for freedom, while also reflecting the strong bond between Albanians and the United States.”
“‘Isa Boletini Way’ in New York is a powerful message to younger generations that freedom and dignity are values that must be protected every day,” Peci stated.
Arben Fetai, deputy prime minister of North Macedonia, called the moment deeply meaningful. “You are our strongest bridge to America and the most dignified ambassadors of our nation,” he told the Albanian-American community.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Fatmir Gjeka, minister of human and minority rights of Montenegro; Bashkim Ramosaj, mayor of Deçan; Violetta Berisha, mayor of Fairview, New Jersey; Albanian Parliament member Belind Këlliçi; Dr. Blerim Reka, chief of general consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in New York; and Suela Janina, permanent representative of Albania to the United Nations.
New York officials who spoke included Borough President Vito Fossella, Councilmember David Carr, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, and Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. A representative of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Lily Zafaranloo, also attended.
Community activist Shpëtim Qorraj expressed gratitude on behalf of Albanian American associations. “With deep respect and pride, we continue uniting to honor our history, our heroes, and to give our children a stronger future. Together we are stronger,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with performances by the Barbana Group and traditional dances from the Skënderbej, Dibra, and Struga associations, as well as the Gjergj Fishta School.
Nika thanked supporting organizations, including the Kosovo Association led by Qorraj, Ana e Malit led by Albert Salaj, Skënderbej led by Imer Laçaj, Dibra led by Hakim Budzuku, Kraja led by Mirsad Kovaci and Venera Gjenashaj, and Struga led by Sinan Alimi. He gave special recognition to activist Ruki Ajdari for his contributions to the Albanian community.