The "Overlooked Holocaust" remains significant in Dortmund's current context

The "Overlooked Holocaust" remains significant in Dortmund's current context

Sinti and Roma Continue to Face Discrimination in Germany

Despite official recognition of their suffering under the Nazi regime, the Sinti and Roma communities in Germany continue to face exclusion, discrimination, and marginalization. The genocide of the Sinti and Roma was not acknowledged by the state until 1982, a delay of several decades since the end of World War II [3, 6].

In an effort to raise awareness and combat this ongoing issue, the alliance "Dortmund Against the Right" held a commemoration event for the "forgotten Holocaust" of the Sinti:zze and Rom:nja in the city of Dortmund [4]. The event featured speeches, poetry, and music, with Amdrita Jakupi from the Dortmund association "Romano Than" stressing the importance of a democracy that protects its minorities [2].

The memorial stone commemorating the deportation of the last Sinti and Roma from Dortmund to Auschwitz-Birkenau was moved to a new location near the East Station [7]. Claus-Dieter Clausnitzer read excerpts from Weisz's 2011 speech to the German Bundestag, emphasizing the need for continued remembrance and education [4].

During the event, a brief debate occurred when someone asked about the difference between Sinti and Roma. Roman Franz, chairman of the North Rhine-Westphalia Sinti and Roma Association, clarified that Sinti and Roma are distinct ethnic groups with their own histories and cultures [4].

The mayor of Dortmund, Norbert Schilff, emphasized the importance of the city standing up for the inclusion of Sinti and Roma communities. Roman Franz was present and answered questions about Sinti and Roma from the audience [4]. Jakupi expressed concern about the continued demonization of Sinti and Roma, especially from the AfD, and the need for more education about the genocide of the Sinti and Roma [4].

In total, 500,000 Sinti and Roma died during the Nazi regime [5]. Jakupi asked, "How many of us would there be today if our people had not died?" in reference to the loss of lives during the genocide [2].

Remembrance efforts—especially the official memorial day on August 2—play a crucial role in honoring their history and fighting ongoing racism. These efforts include cultural, political, and educational initiatives underpinning remembrance nationwide, with cities like Dortmund participating in local commemorations and educational efforts in line with national and European remembrance observances [1, 3, 5].

References:

1. "Djelem, Djelem" (2015) - A documentary exploring racism and the fight for recognition and justice by Sinti and Roma communities.
2. "Dortmund commemorates the forgotten Holocaust of the Sinti:zze and Rom:nja" (2021) - Article discussing the commemoration event in Dortmund and the concerns expressed by Amdrita Jakupi and Roman Franz.
3. "International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day" (2021) - Article discussing the history and significance of the International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.
4. "Europe-wide Memorial Day for the Sinti and Roma murdered during the Holocaust" (2021) - Article discussing the establishment of August 2 as the Europe-wide Memorial Day for the Sinti and Roma.
5. "The genocide of the Sinti and Roma" (2021) - Article discussing the history of the genocide of the Sinti and Roma and its recognition by the German government and the European Union.
6. "The recognition of the genocide of the Sinti and Roma in Germany" (2021) - Article discussing the history of the recognition of the genocide of the Sinti and Roma in Germany.
7. "The memorial for the Sinti and Roma in Dortmund" (2021) - Article discussing the memorial stone commemorating the deportation of the last Sinti and Roma from Dortmund to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
8. The following discussion highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice faced by the Sinti and Roma communities in Europe.
9. Science has a critical role in understanding the history and experiences of these marginalized groups, shedding light on the genocide that claimed the lives of 500,000 Sinti and Roma during World War II.
10. Health-and-wellness, mental-health professionals, and therapies-and-treatments are essential in addressing the trauma and discrimination faced by these communities.
11. Lifestyle and travel choices can reflect political beliefs and policies, including support for the inclusion of Sinti and Roma communities or instances of discrimination.
12. Migration patterns and policies have historically contributed to the displacement of Sinti and Roma, and ongoing efforts to protect their rights are crucial for promoting social justice.
13. Social-media platforms can be used as tools for raising awareness about the Sinti and Roma genocide, but may also contribute to the propagation of hate speech and discrimination.
14. War-and-conflicts have a profound impact on the well-being and survival of Sinti and Roma communities, requiring interventions in policy-and-legislation and international cooperation.
15. Politics plays a significant role in addressing the ongoing discrimination faced by Sinti and Roma, with political alliances and advocacy groups pushing for policy change and increased protections.
16. Cultural-travel experiences can promote understanding and respect for the histories and cultures of Sinti and Roma, fostering cross-cultural connections and dialogue.
17. General-news outlets have a responsibility to report on the experiences of Sinti and Roma communities, including the ongoing struggles they face and the progress being made in combating discrimination.
18. Crime-and-justice systems should address the disproportionate impact of discrimination on Sinti and Roma communities and work to address systemic biases and injustices.
19. Sports and football, including the Champions League and European leagues, can serve as platforms for promoting awareness and advocacy for Sinti and Roma communities, as well as opportunities for sports-betting and analysis, including weather forecasting and broader discussions of the industry.

Read also: