ritesinstitute israelestine

Jerusalem has been a home to th gypsy community since at least the 18th century. Traveling in migratory waves from India from the 3rd century until the 10th, gypsies settled all over Europe and the Middle East. Tradition holds that the gypsies arrived in Jerusalem from Syria in the 11th century to fight the crusaders with Saladin. History shows that they settled first in the Wadi Joz neighborhood of today’s East Jerusalem, and then inside the walls of the Old City near the Lions’ Gate. Like gypsies around the world, Jerusalem’s gypsies held occupations such as blacksmiths, horse dealers, musicians, dancers, and animal healers. yet the gypsies in Jerusalem maintained a special gypsy lifestyle and continued to refer to themselves by the ethnic name ‘Dom’.

The Gypsies have faced huge obstacles, facing discrimination and education limitations. The Domari Society of Gypsies was founded in 1999 to help the community help itself. The society immediately began to offer emergency relief as well as educational and cultural programs for children and adults. In 2005, the society opened its first Gypsy Community Center in the northern Shu’fat neighborhood, with the goal of providing more comprehensive programmes and services for the Domari community.

The Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem aids Gypsies in helping themselves. This is accomplished through:

Education

–literacy and culture for children
–vocational training for adults

Strengthening the Community

–Economic independence initiatives
–Cultural revival

Intercommunity Awareness

–Recognition of the Gypsy Community and Culture from larger communities in Israel and around the world

The Relief Initiative

–Bringing medical and educational supplies to those in need.