The Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem
About
The Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem was founded in 1999 by the society's directer Amoun Sleem. It was established in response to severe discrimination, cultural marginalization and poverty directed towards the Dom (Gypsy) community. The Dom population forms a minority within the Israeli/Palestinian society. Our non-profit organization is the only one in the Middle East committed to the Domari people. The institution and its activities are funded by donations from individuals and organizations around the world.
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The first Domari Community Center was opened in 2005 in the Old City of Jerusalem and later moved to its curring location in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Shu’afat. The center serves as a base for implementing community development programs: Tutoring and learning programs for Dom children, as well as work and skill improvement courses for Dom women.
Besides these programs we provide social services (e.g. offering warm meals, medical care and materials for community members) and also a place to meet.
We sell traditional hand-made handicrafts from Dom women to contribute to their income and encourage economic independence. Furthermore, we are raising awareness of the Domari community and its needs by attending bazaars, offering open house days, doing public awareness campaigns and doing internet communication.
Vision
The Domari Society's aim is to improve the quality of life of the Dom community in the Middle East.
We want the Dom community to reach social, economic and legal equality and independence. We wish for discrimination against the Dom people to end and for the community to better integrate into Israeli/Palestinian society. We want the community's individuals to mtaintain their cultural identity. We want the society to have access to education and vocation, which is the base for breaking out of the cycle of poverty. We hope for a better, prosperous future for all Dom people.
Team
Amoun
Amoun founded the Domari Society at the age of 16 and since then has commited her life to serve her community. As the director of the Society and the Center she is responsible for ensuring its existence and for keeping its work going: She coordinates all running projects, looks after community members, introduces people to Gypsy concerns, and builds up collaborations which are essential to enable this unique support facility for the Domari people.
Kouthar
Kauthar is a Dom woman who regularly comes to the Center to help out. She mainly supplements cooking and hospitality. She commits herself to her community by doing this work voluntarily, getting only the transportation costs covered by the Center.
Jannie
Jannie is our volunteer from Holland. She comes to the Center almost every day, principally to do housekeeping tasks, spreading her positive aura. Jannie is cleaning and tidying up the Center, cooking, tidying up, repairing things, and gadening.
Our Donors
Every gift is important. Our supporters play a critical role in changing the lives of Dom children and women in Jerusalem.
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Following is a list of our major supporters over the past years:
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Dr. Allen Williams
Stichting Kinderpostzegels Nederland