inter religious photography exhibit focusing on jewish and muslim traditions
Hamsa Projekt- inter religious photo project on muslim jewish heritage
The concept of this inter religious photography exhibition evolved after years working with the Muslim Jewish Conference. as an embedded photographer as well as campaigning work. Both in Muslim as in Sephardic Jewish tradition the Hamsa is seen as a sign of protection against the „evil“. It’s a dedication to a shared heritage, myths and tales but also to craftsmanship and jewelry making of the Magreb and arabic cultures in with jews had lived for centuries.
Arabic Jewish Traditions You will encounter the hand as natural part of every day life in Beirut, New York, Berlin, Istanbul or Tel Aviv. On doors, walls, in cars or shops, strollers or especially jewelry. In jewish tradition it’s often referred to it as the hand of Miriam. Its roots in Muslim culture are to be found in the tradition of Fatima.
Starting in 2014 Daniel Shaked started photographing hands that hold their Hamsa. Focusing only on the hands and not showing the faces was a choice, leaving it blurry whether they are jewish or muslim, not wanting to reveal the persons religious background.
This is an inter religious photo project based on shared muslim and jewish values and it further more tells the story of how people forget mutual traditions due to lack of dialogue.
