Virtual Remembrance
Remembering the persecution of parents and grandparents during the Nazi era
“My mother, my aunt and my uncle, they were the only ones who survived.”
Over half a million Sinti and Roma were murdered by the Nazis. Scarred by persecution, forced labour and the loss of their families, the survivors returned from the camps. How is this experience reflected in the memories of their children and grandchildren?
The long struggle for compensation and recognition as a victim of National Socialism
“Can money make up for it? It's irreparable.”
Recognition as victims of National Socialism and the associated compensation payments by the German state were denied to many survivors or were very low. But can the injustice committed against Sinti and Roma be made good at all?
Stories and silence
“He never talked about it." - "We suspected that something bad must have happened.”
Traumatised by the crimes committed against them, survivors were often unable to speak openly about their painful experiences with their children and grandchildren. But how and through whom did those born later learn about the genocide and the experiences in the Nazi camps?
Intergenerational experience of discrimination
“Discrimination still exists today against our minority - and this in a democratic state!”
The term "second persecution" refers to the discrimination by the authorities, the judiciary and the majority society in both parts of Germany that continued after 1945. Not only survivors were affected by this, their children and grandchildren also testify: discrimination is an intergenerational experience.
Identity – Confession and prejudice
“We see ourselves as Germans here in Germany and that Germany is also our home.“
For over 600 years, Sinti and, since the middle of the 19th century, Roma have been an integral part of Germany. Despite the knowledge of genocide and persecution, the perception of the majority society is still marked by prejudice against Sinti and Roma. What influence does this have on one's own perception and what resistance is there in defining oneself?
Final line?
“Even though I'm third generation, it's all still so fresh. You still have scars.”
The past has not passed. The continuing discrimination and exclusion of Sinti and Roma in Germany and Europe also bear witness to this. Whether discrimination in authorities, deportations of Roma refugees or open agitation - there are many reasons to say: "A final line simply cannot be drawn".
The project was realized with the kind support of the
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