Jaroslav Mitac: Eastern European Roma

Roma Dept: I talked with one family Friday , the 47-year-old said, speaking through an interpreter. They were so unhappy because they had to go home on Monday, according to CBC. The Roma are an ethnic group that originated in India, leaving the subcontinent about 800 years ago. Over the centuries, they moved gradually westward and dispersed all over Europe and an evangelical pastor, Jaroslav Mitac describes an unenviable task that has become a significant part of his job: consoling congregants before they're deported. His congregation at the Hamilton Gypsy Church, perched above a bowling alley near Barton and Ottawa streets, consists of eastern European Roma from the Czech Republic who have sought refuge in Canada, citing violence and discrimination in their home country. Who are the Roma? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.