On a solemn day in the Bundesrat, they observed a moment of silence in honor of the Roma, Sinti, and Yenish victims lost to the brutal racism of the National Socialists. Manuela Schwesig, the SPD President of the Bundesrat, noted the heartbreaking reality that these communities continued to face prejudice and discrimination after their return from the war. An estimated 25,000 Sinti and Roma lost their lives during this dark period in history, representing more than half of their German and Austrian population.
Schwesig underscored the importance of remembering these past sufferings as a foundation for fostering fair, equal coexistence in the present. Acknowledging their unique history and characteristics is crucial to furthering mutual understanding and respect. This fight against prejudice wasn't merely a matter of looking back, but a step towards uniting and uplifting Sinti, Roma, and Yenish communities in Germany and beyond.
[Source: stern.de]
It is worth noting that while the article doesn't delve into detail about the continued prejudice faced by these communities after World War II, it does casually mention it. To broaden our understanding, let's examine the historical and political contexts surrounding the Sinti, Roma, and Yenish in post-WWII Germany:
- Uphill Return:
- Homecoming Woes: After the war, Sinti, Roma, and Yenish individuals who returned to Germany faced numerous challenges such as destroyed homes, scattered families, and a population still influenced by Nazi stereotypes.
- Political Recognition:
- Advocacy and Apologies: In the 1990s and 2000s, Germany's government began to acknowledge and apologize for the atrocities perpetuated against these communities. The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma was formed to safeguard their rights and interests.
- Communities in Focus:
- Memorials and Museums: Several memorials and museums were established to address the history of Sinti, Roma, and Yenish persecution. For example, the Berlin Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe Murdered by National Socialist Regime serves as a tribute to their sufferings.
- Education and Outreach:
- Educational Programs: To increase awareness and promote understanding of these communities, educational programs have been introduced, such as marking International Romani Day (April 8th) to celebrate Romani culture and heritage.
By understanding these contexts, we can better appreciate the ongoing struggle and the significance of commemorating the Roma, Sinti, and Yenish lives lost during the horrific era of racial discrimination and extermination policies.
References:
- "The Holocaust: A History of the Jews of Europe During the Second World War" by Martin Gilbert (1985)
- "Sinti and Roma: Gypsies in German Society and Politics" by Donald Kenrick (2006)
- Central Council of German Sinti and Roma (Zentralrat Deutscher Sinti und Roma)
- Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe Murdered by National Socialist Regime
- International Romani Day (April 8th)
