02:43Germany: Merkel denounces xenophobia at German Sinti and Roma event in Berlin
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that racism, anti-Semitism and antiziganism can harm Germany's economy, while speaking at an event celebrating the 70th birthday of the Head of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, Romani Rose, in Berlin on Tuesday.
"It's the mechanisms of demarcation, exclusion and the rejection of everything that seems strange that weaken our society, and even jeopardise it," Merkel stated.
Romani Rose, who celebrated his 70th birthday in August, thanked Merkel for her efforts in the refugee crisis, saying "you have always defended the values of our state, taking into account Germany's history. And you did that at a time when helpless people fleeing war and terror were in need. We know, and I know, that you did not want to take in 60 million people. You wanted to set a milestone for the European Union. And you stood pretty much alone at that time. I wish more European colleagues had supported you, Mrs Chancellor."
Rose has been at the forefront of the German Sinti and Roma civil rights fight in Germany since 1979. Furthermore, Rose has been an advocate for Holocaust survivors' compensation, and he also dedicated on highlighting the importance of the deaths of 500,000 Sinti and Roma in Europe during Nazi rule.
02:43German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that racism, anti-Semitism and antiziganism can harm Germany's economy, while speaking at an event celebrating the 70th birthday of the Head of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, Romani Rose, in Berlin on Tuesday.
"It's the mechanisms of demarcation, exclusion and the rejection of everything that seems strange that weaken our society, and even jeopardise it," Merkel stated.
Romani Rose, who celebrated his 70th birthday in August, thanked Merkel for her efforts in the refugee crisis, saying "you have always defended the values of our state, taking into account Germany's history. And you did that at a time when helpless people fleeing war and terror were in need. We know, and I know, that you did not want to take in 60 million people. You wanted to set a milestone for the European Union. And you stood pretty much alone at that time. I wish more European colleagues had supported you, Mrs Chancellor."
Rose has been at the forefront of the German Sinti and Roma civil rights fight in Germany since 1979. Furthermore, Rose has been an advocate for Holocaust survivors' compensation, and he also dedicated on highlighting the importance of the deaths of 500,000 Sinti and Roma in Europe during Nazi rule.