On August 2, 2024, we will gather to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the horrific murder of 4,300 Sinti and Roma by the SS in Auschwitz-Birkenau. This somber event marks a significant chapter in the broader history of the Roma Holocaust, during which 500,000 Sinti and Roma were systematically exterminated across Nazi-occupied Europe. In a gesture of profound recognition, the European Parliament declared August 2 as the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma in 2015, ensuring that this dark period is neither forgotten nor repeated.
This year’s commemoration will unite members of the Roma Foundation for Europe Network, including distinguished representatives from the Roma Foundation for Europe, Roma for Democracy International (RFD), European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), Roma Education Fund (REF).
The network members will convene to honor the memory of the victims, impart historical education, and foster an enduring legacy of resistance and resilience. This significant event offers a unique opportunity for network members to reflect on the past, honor their ancestors, and learn from history. Representatives from each partner organization will be present, symbolizing a unified front in the mission to educate and guide the community.
“The trauma of the Holocaust is passed down through generations. By educating ourselves about our Roma ancestors’ suffering, we not only acknowledge the ‘banality of evil’ but also showcase Roma resilience, survival strategies, and the need for political resistance against oppression.
Artists and creatives have been vital in preserving the memory of the Roma Holocaust and passing it on. In a time of rising anti-Roma sentiments, confronting our history and promoting education is crucial. Art heals, and Roma creative talents play a key role in this process.
Our gathering at Auschwitz underscores the strength of the Roma Foundation for Europe Network’s unity and advocacy for equality, justice, and fairness.”
– Timea Junghaus, Executive Director of ERIAC
The Roma for Europe Network collaborates closely with the Council of Europe, upholding values and terminologies that are central to the Roma community. Our shared commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law underscores the importance of this commemoration. It is not only a time for remembrance but also a call to action against the rising tide of far-right extremism in Europe.
The purpose of this commemoration extends beyond remembrance. It seeks to educate and enlighten, reinforcing the necessity of vigilance in preventing future atrocities. In a Europe where the far-right’s influence is alarmingly resurgent, it is crucial to recall the Roma Holocaust, identify with its profound suffering, and showcase a steadfast resistance to oppression. The essence of resistance is deeply embedded in the Roma community, a legacy reflected in their remarkable achievements and enduring spirit.
This year, the image for our commemoration is inspired by the evocative sunflower drawings of Ceija Stojka. Ceija Stojka, a Roma Holocaust survivor, was an extraordinary artist and writer whose works poignantly capture the resilience and beauty of the Roma spirit amidst the horrors of genocide. Her art, particularly her sunflowers, symbolizes hope, endurance, and the unyielding strength of the Roma people. Ceija’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, heal, and unite communities in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Everyone is invited to join in honoring the past and safeguarding a future free from hatred and oppression. Visuals for participation can be downloaded for use in joining the commemoration online and sharing on social media.
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The Roma Foundation for Europe is an advocacy-oriented foundation equipped with a Roma-led vision, strategy, expertise, and a vast network nurtured over decades. With headquarters in Brussels and teams in Berlin, Strasbourg, Belgrade, Bucharest and Skopje, the foundation aims to pave the way for positive change within the Roma community and to lay the groundwork for a rejuvenated Europe that champions equality, justice and fairness for all its citizens.
Together with its network of Roma-led organisations, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, the Roma Education Fund, the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, and Roma for Democracy, the Roma Foundation for Europe is working to change the way Roma are viewed, realise their potential, and develop solutions that benefit both the Roma and European economies.
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