Hindus and Jews have strongly criticized Italy for reported dismantling plan of Roma (Gypsy) settlements in Rome.

Noted Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California in USA; in a joint statement in Nevada today, said that after France crackdown on Roma, now it was Italy. It appeared that wherever Roma moved, bulldozers followed them. In this European xenophobia, where should helpless Roma go, they asked.

According to reports, Rome's largest Roma settlement, which existed for about 40 years, was demolished earlier this year, resulting in uprooting and homelessness for many in the community.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Rabbi Freirich, urged Pope Benedict to openly come out against this apparently intolerance and racism of Italy against the poor Roma, which was happening right under his nose, because religions told us to help the helpless.

Europe's most persecuted and discriminated community, Roma reportedly regularly encountered social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, living on desperate margins, stereotypes, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination, marginalization, appalling living conditions, prejudice, human rights abuse, etc., Rajan Zed and Jonathan Freirich argued. (ANI)