There are many different rumors surrounding the Roma people from Bulgaria and Romania who leave unemployment and exclusion to travel to countries in Northern Europe in a desperate attempt to find jobs and income to provide for their families back home. These rumors are unfounded and play on people's prejudices.
Similar to the Jewish people, the Roma people have almost always been subjected to prejudice and hostility due to their ethnicity. Antigypsyism takes various forms and varies in strength, ranging from everyday prejudices to furious hatred leading to bloodshed and even cold-blooded murder. There is an increase in both antisemitism and antigypsyism in Europe, with hateful expressions echoing on the streets of cities across the continent. Jews face hatred from Islamists, while Romas are targeted by right-wing extremists who judge and punish them based on their ethnicity.
In Sweden, there are approximately 4,000 Romas from Romania and Bulgaria who beg, sell handicrafts, do odd jobs, or collect returnable bottles. Although their numbers are not large, they have stirred strong emotions among the Swedish people. While some individuals seek to help them achieve a better future, certain groups, particularly right-wing factions, have seen an increase in antigypsyism. In some cases, this hatred has led to vandalism, arson, assault, and bloodshed.
In Sweden, there are approximately 4,000 Romas from Romania and Bulgaria who beg, sell handicrafts, do odd jobs, or collect returnable bottles. Although their numbers are not large, they have stirred strong emotions among the Swedish people. While some individuals seek to help them achieve a better future, certain groups, particularly right-wing factions, have seen an increase in antigypsyism. In some cases, this hatred has led to vandalism, arson, assault, and bloodshed.
False rumors spread by right-wing extremists claim that Roma people live a luxurious life back home, owning expensive cars and houses filled with luxury items and electronics. These rumors are often propagated by those seeking to rid Sweden of poor Roma migrants. Right-wing extremists base their assertions on rumors and outright lies, having never visited the villages where the migrants come from.
Having visited some villages in Romania where Roma migrants in Sweden originate, I have witnessed firsthand that many live in deep poverty. The harsh living conditions do not align with the propaganda spread by right-wing extremists. I now understand why some Romas leave their families to travel to Northern European countries for work and income. If I were unemployed with no other options, I might also resort to begging as a desperate means to provide for my children.
A cold wind of nationalism is sweeping over Europe, tightening its grip on more people. Hate is on the rise, and there is an imminent risk of pogroms against Romas in many European countries. Both Jews and Romas face the threat of harassment or assault by extremists when moving freely. It is crucial that we learn from history to avoid repeating the mistakes of the 1930s when hate against Jews and Romas, fueled by rumors and lies, set Europe on fire.
The best way to overcome prejudice and negative stereotypes is to get to know people, build mutual understanding, and create bonds between individuals from different countries and ethnicities. It is time to put our dark European history behind us and include Romas and Jews in our European community. "Roma" is Romani for human. Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religious belief, and gender, we are all human, and God loves us just as we are.
Text and Photo: Mikael Good
