I have received from Prof Ian Hancock, long-time, veteran IRU representative, in America, a study which shows that, the Nazi fascists targeted the Travellers, (the Jenische in Germany, Austria etc)., and murdered all they could capture. We already know that as part of their plan to invade Britain - called Operation Sea Lion - they intended to round up all Travellers. Needless to say, that invasion would have
been accompanied by an occupation of Ireland - where again all Travellers would have faced death. This study helps to establish why Travellers want to be included when the subject of the genocide, the Holocaust, is discussed. Why Travellers have as much rights to be included on the UK Holocaust
Commission, and fully acknowledged and remember on the proposed £50 million UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre planned next to Parliament. All I say is the better united we are around this issue the more chance of success in persuading Chair of the Commission Lord Pickles to accept Roma and Travellers onto the Board in a position of equality with the Jewish and other 25 or so members already appointed.
It is four years since the first request to meet with the chairman was made. All requested have been rebuffed. Many, including myself, feel this permanent rebuff to be an appalling insult to the Roma and Travellers whose lives were taken - or threatened - by Nazi and fascist regimes, the characteristics of which are again evident today in government policies, and the actions of extreme neo-nazi groups across Europe.
Nazione Rom [Roma Nation Association in Italy] is holding a Conference in Rome on 14 September in order to unite as many people and organizations as possible in a common front against Matteo Salvini and other right wing regimes.
