Museum Outraged at Mob Attack on Roma Community

August 31, 2016

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM OUTRAGED AT MOB ATTACK ON UKRAINIAN ROMA COMMUNITY

WASHINGTON, DC — Following claims that a Roma man was responsible for the death of a young girl, on August 27, 2016, residents of the village of Loshchynivka, Ukraine, attacked local Romani and destroyed their homes and property, causing them to flee. Approximately 50 Roma residents fled while villagers burned down a Roma-owned home.  The Roma community is desperate to find a secure place to live.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum strongly condemns these outrageous acts. It urges the government of Ukraine and local authorities to provide protections for the Roma and other threatened minorities, and to develop educational and community programs that will help build respect for cultural diversity.   

“Between 1933 and 1945, Roma and Sinti suffered greatly as victims of the Nazis and their allies.  Ultimately, between 220,000 and 500,000 died in the genocide of the Roma and Sinti peoples,” said Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield.  “Sadly, the recent pogrom in Loshchynivka, Ukraine, is but one of many acts of violence and forced evictions visited upon the Roma in Europe since 1945.” 

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.  Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.  For more information, please visit www.ushmm.org

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