Join Dr. Margaret Brearley in this talk on the origins, history and culture of Czech and Slovak Roma

BCSA in cooperation with the Czech embassy London would like to invite you to a talk by Dr. Margaret Brearley A Mysterious People: The Origins, History and Culture of Czech and Slovak Roma. This event is closely following Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.

After outlining her own long experience of English Romany Gypsies, Dr. Brearley will discuss the origins and language of the Roma people, their arrival in Europe and subsequent persecution, and their specific history in Czech and Slovak lands until today.

Some unique features of Romani culture, traditions and law will be explored and the sources of anti-Gypsy stereotypes examined. Dr. Brearley's talk will aim to entertain, inform, and increase awareness of the complex difficulties faced by Roma, past and present, including during WWII.

Dr Margaret Brearley (MA. Oxon., Ph.D. Cantab.) has lectured on Judaism and Jewish- Christian Relations at the Selly Oak Colleges, and widely in Britain, Israel, USA and Europe. A Wroxton Holocaust Scholar, she has also been a consultant to several films and TV documentaries, and published many academic articles and book chapters, especially on anti- Judaism, the Holocaust, Richard Wagner, genocide and Roma/Gypsies.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards.