Question 1

Why is the Roma and Sinti Holocaust so much less known than the Shoah?

Accepted Answer

The killing produced less paperwork, particularly in the occupied Soviet Union where much of it was done by shooting. There was no post-war state or large diaspora institution with the resources to document it. And West Germany spent thirty-seven years formally denying that it had been racial persecution at all.

Question 2

How many Roma and Sinti were killed?

Accepted Answer

Published scholarly estimates generally fall between 220,000 and 500,000, and some historians argue for a substantially higher figure. There is no agreed number.

Question 3

Should I say Roma, Romani, Gypsy, Sinti or Traveller?

Accepted Answer

Roma is the term most widely used by European organisations. Sinti are a distinct community, mainly in German-speaking Europe. Romani is the adjective and the name of the language. Use the word a person uses about themselves.

Question 4

Why do you avoid the word Porrajmos?

Accepted Answer

Because in some Romani dialects it carries an obscene second meaning, and a number of Romani speakers find its use offensive. Samudaripen is the term used most widely by Romani organisations.

Question 5

Who runs the Centre?

Accepted Answer

A small, mostly volunteer team in Newcastle upon Tyne, constituted as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C. 15348328).

Question 6

How is it funded?

Accepted Answer

Donations, chiefly by bank transfer, and unpaid time.

Question 7

Is there a building I can visit?

Accepted Answer

There is the monument, which is outdoors, free and open at any hour at Newcastle Civic Centre, and an archive that can be consulted by appointment.

Things we get asked

About the history

About the Centre

Practical