Jewish community condemns proposed new laws on Gypsies and Travellers

“The Jewish community stands in solidarity with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community in eliminating prejudice and ensuring no one is denied the right to a home”

René Cassin, A Jewish organisation that campaigns for human rights, has written a letter to Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, condemning the proposed new laws banning Traveller camps and condemning the Government’s portrayal and treatment of Britain’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

Mia Hasenson-Gross, René Cassin Director, said that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities together constitute Europe’s largest ethnic minority and they share a history of persecution with Jewish people.

“Recent studies have shown that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience more racism and discrimination than any other group in the UK and face multiple disadvantages, such as with regards to education, health, the workplace and the justice system,” said Mia Hasenson-Gross.

“Representatives across the Jewish community have signed our letter to the Home Office to express concern over the faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the UK,” she added.

“The Jewish community stands in solidarity with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in eliminating prejudice and ensuring no one is denied the right to a home.”

Read the letter by clicking on the picture link below:

René Cassin’s letter to the Government talks about Nathan, 10, a Romany Gypsy boy who wrote to the Prime Minster asking her to explain why there are so few sites for Gypsies and Travellers, and telling her to do something about it.

René Cassin called Nathan’s letter “poignant”.

Thank you René Cassin and to all who signed the letter. And well done Nathan – you are getting your voice heard!

TT News

(Main picture: Romani flags at the Roma Holocaust memorial event on August 2nd in Hyde Park © Mike Doherty)