Beyond the Roma Holocaust From Resistance to Mobilisation

The book at hand is inspired by the international symposium "Beyond the Roma Holocaust: From Resistance to Mobilisation," which took place in Cracow on October 21-22, 2016. This event was organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the tragic deportation of half of the Austrian Roma and Sinti populations to the Nazi-controlled ghetto in Łódź. Following the horrific liquidation of the Zigeunerlager Litzmannstadt, many of these individuals, approximately 4300, faced brutal killings in gas vans at the extermination camp of Kulmhof in Chełmno nad Nerem.The contributors to this publication, hailing from diverse countries and backgrounds, delve into the complex history and origins of the Roma genocide while reflecting on its implications for contemporary Roma communities across Europe. The discussion extends beyond mere victimization by exploring the Roma's resistance and survival strategies during their persecution under Nazi terror. The narrative also examines the immediate and enduring effects of the Holocaust on the political mobilization of European Roma. It assesses how these historical experiences continue to shape the identities of Roma today and highlights the essential role of historical memory in fostering the Roma movement. As co-editor Thomas M. Buchsbaum notes, "The porrajmos cannot be altered retroactively, but probably can serve as a useful point of reference and departure in order to look to the future of Roma in our common Europe."The contents of the book encompass various perspectives, including an introduction by Adam Bodnar on the importance of remembering the Roma Holocaust and insights from Romani Rose on the civil rights struggles of German Sinti and Roma. Topics such as the post-Holocaust condition of Roma communities, contributions from Oliver von Mengersen, and analyses by Elena Marushiakova and Vesselin Popov on the reinterpretation of Roma history are thoroughly explored. Additional discussions cover the significance of regional governance in commemoration efforts, addressed by Stanislaw Sorys, and the experience of the Roma Holocaust in Croatia, as expressed by Danijel Vojak.Further, the book delves into contemporary themes of Roma political mobilization, with Thomas Acton analyzing historical cycles of forgetfulness, and Márton Rövid providing insights on the "refugee crisis" and its impact on Roma representations. An appendix includes speeches by Austrian Ambassador Dr. Thomas M. Buchsbaum during memorial events, complementing the comprehensive biographies of the authors contributing to this important publication.