A somber tribute to the Sinti and Roma

The Memorial to Europe's Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism stands as a solemn testament to the systematic persecution and genocide of the Sinti and Roma people during the Nazi era. Located in Berlin's Tiergarten, a short distance from the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, this memorial serves as a vital reminder of a tragic chapter in European history, urging visitors to reflect on the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and hatred. The memorial, designed by Israeli artist Dani Karavan, was officially opened on October 24, 2012, by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Its creation was the result of decades of advocacy by Sinti and Roma organizations, who sought to ensure that the suffering of their people would never be forgotten. The monument is dedicated to the memory of the estimated 220,000 to 500,000 Sinti and Roma people who were murdered in the Porajmos, the Romani word for the Holocaust. The memorial's design is both simple and profound. A circular pool of dark water forms the central element, its surface still and reflective, inviting contemplation. In the center of the pool sits a triangular stone, a direct reference to the colored triangles that the Nazis forced Sinti and Roma prisoners to wear in concentration camps to identify them as 'asocial'. A fresh flower is placed on the stone each day, a symbol of life and remembrance. As the flower withers and falls into the water, it is replaced by a new one, representing the continuous cycle of memory and renewal. Encircling the pool are inscriptions of the poem 'Auschwitz' by the Italian Romani poet Santino Spinelli, written in Romani, German, and English. The poem's haunting words evoke the suffering and loss endured by the Sinti and Roma people during the Holocaust: 'Sunken face / extinguished eyes / cold lips / silence / a torn heart / without breath / without words / no tears.' The location of the memorial within the Tiergarten, close to other Holocaust memorials, creates a powerful landscape of remembrance. It serves as a place for visitors to learn about the history of the Porajmos, to reflect on its significance, and to pay their respects to the victims. Information boards around the memorial provide a chronology of the genocide, detailing the steps that led to the persecution and murder of the Sinti and Roma people. The path to the memorial's creation was not without its challenges. Years of debate and disputes over the design and location delayed its construction. Initially, there were proposals to place the memorial in a less prominent district of Berlin, but ultimately, the decision was made to locate it in the heart of the city, ensuring its visibility and accessibility to all. The Memorial to Europe's Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism is more than just a monument; it is a place of education, reflection, and reconciliation. It stands as a reminder of the importance of fighting against all forms of racism, discrimination, and intolerance, and of working towards a future where such atrocities never happen again. Visiting the memorial offers a deeply moving experience. The quiet atmosphere, the reflective water, and the powerful words of the poem create a space for contemplation and remembrance. It is a place to learn about the history of the Porajmos, to honor the victims, and to commit to building a more just and equitable world. The memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and admission is free. It is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Berlin and seeking to understand the complexities of its history. The memorial serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of remembering the past, learning from its mistakes, and working towards a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is a testament to the resilience of the Sinti and Roma people and their determination to ensure that their story is never forgotten. The presence of this memorial in Berlin underscores Germany's commitment to confronting its past and to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the importance of human rights, tolerance, and understanding, and where they can commit to building a more just and equitable world for all. The Memorial to Europe's Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Porajmos. It is a place of remembrance, education, and reflection, and a reminder of the importance of fighting against all forms of prejudice and discrimination.