Interview with the Dom Leader: Amoun Sleem

We had an interview with one of the representers of Dom Gypsies of Israel. You will read the story of the transformation of a woman from a Dom child selling cards around Aksa Mosque to a Dom leader in this interview.

Cingeneyiz.org: Could you tells us about your life story

I was born to a Dom family here in the Old City of Jerusalem. Growing up I learnt quickly that being a Dom was not something to be proud of. In school the teachers told me that I was a ‘dirty Gypsy’ and that I would never go far. My fellow classmates also made fun of me and ignored me when I tried to be friendly to them. I stopped going to school because I felt so bad about myself, but I realized that education was the only way that I could get ahead. I went back to school and managed to stick it through until I graduated from high school! Everyone was surprised, including myself. I went on to college – I am one of only a few Dom with a post-secondary degree – and then decided that it was time to give back to my community. I founded the Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem almost ten years ago and have been its director ever since.

Cingeneyiz.org: What was your chance makes you a leader as a woman and a Dom person. One of the interviews of you I read on the internet you said that while you were a little girl you sold postcards how did that little girl became a Dom leader? and How did you decide to take an active role as a member of Dom community?

I don’t really consider myself a leader – just someone who is active in the community. I saw the needs of my people and I decided to be involved in this work and this life. There were many struggles along the way and may times when I felt discouraged but I always managed to perceive.

Cingeneyiz.org: What kind of problems you came across while you were a little Dom girl? and today what are the problems you come across individually?

It has always been difficult to survive as a Dom woman. Now my life is handling this Community Centre and that has both its joys and its struggles. It is hard to be a woman and hard to be a gypsy – nobody ever wants to help. When I was young people didn’t want me to succeed and didn’t think I could but now we can say that I’ve maybe succeeded in some small way.

Cingeneyiz.org: What are the attitudes of the other communities instead of Dom people that you come across as a woman leader?

The main problem is that we are not accepted as Dom, woman leader or not. The discrimination I face as a Dom is the first obstacle I must overcome. With that said, I do sometimes receive support from other women leaders – mainly Israelis or North Americans – who understand how difficult it is.

Cingeneyiz.org: What are the problems of Dom people in daily life?

The Dom face many immediate problems; living in poverty many families survive on social security payments and unfortunately some turn to begging to supplement their meager income. Discrimination prevents Dom from jobs in the Arab sector while a lack of education holds them back from jobs on the Israeli side.

Cingeneyiz.org: In most of the countries Gypsy people come across some basic problems like discrimination, housing, unemployment etc. You live in difficult geography with full of wars, instability what are the unique problems of Dom people in Palestine and Israel?

The Dom in Palestine/Israel face many unique problems due to the complicated political situation. The nature of the conflict means that Gypsy issues are often ignored in favour of issues focusing on Palestinian/Israeli conflict. The Dom have also been caught in the political crossfire, for example in 1967 when many Dom fled the Old City to Jordan.

Cingeneyiz.org: What are the traditional crafts of Dom people and what is the situation of traditional crafts today? Are they still alive. are there any new economic activities?

The Dom people were once accomplished craftsmen, well-known for their metal-smithing, jewelry, and embroidery. Over time the Dom community was forced into poverty and the traditional crafts were forgotten. Gypsy embroidery and jewelry-making is continued at my organization, the Domari Society for Gypsies in Jerusalem, with modern touches.

Cingeneyiz.org: What is the situation about the Domari language? How broad is it used by Dom people?

The Domari language is unfortunately not widely spoken. Many of the old people in the community still remember it but because of discrimination the young people do not want to learn it, instead preferring to blend in and speak Arabic.

Cingeneyiz.org: What about the education level of Dom people? Do young Doms have chance to get high education?

In general, the education level of the Dom in Israel is unfortunately very low. Many Dom drop out of school at a young age and few Dom manage to graduate high school. The opportunities for higher education for the Dom are blocked by poverty, a lack of support at home, and discrimination within the school system.

Cingeneyiz.org: Are there any different Gypsy communities in addition to Doms?

There are no other Gypsy communities in Israel beside the Dom. We are having a hard enough time as it is with only one!

Cingeneyiz.org: Finally, what is your opinion about cingeneyiz.org ?

This website is doing very important work in spreading awareness of Gypsy groups around the world and the discrimination they face. We applaud this effort and hope that your team can make real social change happen!

www.cingeneyiz.org
Roma, Pavee, Yeniche, Rudari. People who identify themselves as Gypsy or who are identified as Gypsy. Here is your web page !