LIVING IN HIDING: THE BETA ISRAEL OF KECHENE AND SEMIEN SHEWA (ETHIOPIA) EMERGING THROUGH THE LENS FROM THE HISTORY OF GENERATIONAL SHADOWS Kelly Fogel Project Statement and Photography (December 2023) In the heart of Kechene, a sub-city in Addis Ababa, a community of Beta Israel, or Jewish Ethiopians, navigate between tradition and the desire for visibility. For hundreds of years, the majority concealed their Jewish identity, privately observing traditions within the confines of their homes while outwardly presenting as Christian Orthodox. Fueled by a longing to break free from the shadows of historical secrecy that their ancestors inhabited, a growing number of young individuals are courageously emerging into public life proudly declaring their Jewish heritage. These moments mark a pivotal shift in the community's historical narrative. "Nafkot-Yearning," an Award-Winning documentary by Israeli anthropologist Dr. Malka Shabtay, serves as a powerful historical lens into this profound transition. Fogel’s project captures the daily lives of these courageous individuals profiled in the documentary as they navigate the complexities of being openly Jewish in a society where generations have concealed their identity. Through a series of evocative photographs, the project provides a glimpse into the historical context of these transformative moments of introspection, communal gatherings, and expressions of identity. This photographic series invites viewers to contemplate the universal themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the historical relentless pursuit of acceptance.