Remembering the Roma

I follow the Twitter account of the Auschwitz Memorial, which shares daily photos and brief bios of those who perished in this Nazi extermination camp. Needless to say, these are not cheerful messages and at times I hurry past them, especially those of children. Yesterday I saw a tweet noting that it was Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day with this message:

Auschwitz Memorial

@AuschwitzMuseum

2/3 August 1944 | The Germans liquidated the so-called Gypsy camp (Zigeunerlager - sector BIIe) of Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Around 4,200-4,300 children, women and men - the last Roma prisoners of the sector - were murdered in gas chambers.

The people once known as Gypsies, now generally called Roma, have been persecuted for centuries throughout Europe and in North America when they emigrate here. The Gypsy name came from being mistakenly identified as Egyptian because of swarthier skin. They have also been called Travellers in Britain, generally on the move because communities viewed them with suspicion and did everything possible to get them to leave. The Nazis' "Final Solution" included Roma and thousands were murdered.

While the black triangle was originally a symbol for many groups,

 by the beginning of the Final Solution it was being exclusively used for Roma people.

Today there are an estimated 10 to 12 million Roma in Europe. Just this week three lawyers in Toronto were convicted of professional misconduct in handling the asylum claims of Roma refugees and ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution. These Roma were persecuted in Hungary but it is difficult for them to find countries who will accept them, including Canada. Right-wing media and online haters are eager to perpetuate the stereotypes about Roma.

It's interesting that the photo in the Toronto Star accompanying the article about the conviction didn't explain why this family is holding a bible, with a crucifix on the wall behind. They are obviously Christians, although Roma have tended to take on the religion of the country or region in which they find themselves. 

Perhaps we need the reminder that Jews were by far the largest group to be targeted by the Nazis, others suffered and died as well. And persecution and rejection still exists for the Roma into the 21st century.