The Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem

The Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem was founded in 1999 by Amoun Sleem, a Gypsy who has lived in the community her entire life and knows its needs well. She has seen and experienced first-hand the severe discrimination, cultural marginalization, poverty, and adult illiteracy that the Gypsies in this area face. The adult population e.g. remains largely illiterate because a lot of children drop out of school as a result of discrimination from teachers and other students. It was these issues and a desire to affect change that moved Amoun to action. She started this organization to advance and empower the Gypsy community and preserve its unique cultural heritage through programs that provide economic empowerment, child development, and women's support. Working at the grassroots level, the center seeks to serve the social, cultural, and educational needs of the surrounding Domari community. In 2005, The Domari Society opened a community center in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Shu'fat. The center provides after-school tutoring, job skills training, literacy courses, humanitarian aid, and programs that foster cultural pride. Further, as a part of its mission of women's empowerment, the center produces and sells traditional Gypsy handicrafts, including embroidery, jewelry, pottery, and handbags, to encourage economic independence and improve quality of life. The community center and Domari Society in general are funded by donations from individuals and organizations, as well as through the sale of their handicrafts. Below, find some additional information as well as videos about our organization and the founder Amoun Sleem. On the right side below the picture you can download a report about the Dom community with statistical information. Produced by SocDoc Studios: http://www.facebook.com/socdoc