The Domari Society's aim is to improve the quality of life of the Dom (Gypsy) community in the Middle East.

Our hopes are…

We think the keys are…

Independence will let people break out of the cycle of poverty. We hope for a better, prosperous future for all Dom people.

Our story

Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem, a non-profit organization aimed at combating the major issues facing the Dom (Gypsy) community as severe discrimination, cultural marginalization and poverty, was founded in October 1999 by the society’s director Amoun Sleem in order to raise pride and cultural awareness within the Dom community. This was the first time the Dom community has organized itself as an entity and our non-profit organization is the only one in the Middle East committed to the Domari people. The organization and its activities are funded by donations from individuals and organizations around the world.

The first Domari Community Center was opened in 2005 in the Old City of Jerusalem and later moved to its current location in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Shu’afat.

The organization continues its work today, focusing on empowerment for Dom women and education for Dom children. By encouraging cultural pride and educational advancement, the Dom people now have an opportunity to effectively contest discrimination and poverty through self-empowerment and achievement.

Our Board members

Chairperson: Dafnah Strauss (PhD)

Treasurer: Daphna Strauss and Elias Habash

Member: Art Braunstein

Michaela Harari

Omri Kabiri (lawyer)

Jamal Natsheh

Rima Shehadeh,

Allen Williams (PhD) 

Our Team

Amoun Sleem

Amoun founded Domari Society at the age of 16 and since then has committed 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.

Xadra Sleem

Xadra is a Dom woman. She mainly supplements cooking, cleaning and hospitality. She commits herself to her community by doing this work voluntarily.

Kawthar Abed El-Basit

Kawthar is a Dom woman. She mainly supplements cooking and hospitality. She commits herself to her community by doing this work voluntarily.

Our partners

• Vrienden van Domari

• Dom Research Center

• Planeterra

• G adventures

• British Shalom Salaam Trust

• Global Aid Network

• Mercy Fund, Christ Church Jerusalem

• Christian Friend of Israel

• Joseph Project

• Bridge for Peace