Eritrean Asylum Seekers’ Lament Ceremonies in Israel as Contested Sites of Identity Formation

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12955337
AutoresGalia Sabar (0000-0002-1431-8007, Tel Aviv University, autor de correspondencia), Adam Rotbard (Tel Aviv University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2015
Volumen8
Número2
Páginas147-173
Fecha de publicación2015-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAfrican Diaspora (BOOK_SERIES)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1872-5457 • E-ISSN: 1872-5465
EditorialBrill (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1163/18725465-00802004
OpenAlexW2325950163
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9

Based on extensive qualitative research, this paper focuses on lament ceremonies Eritrean asylum seekers in Israel performed in public parks in 2008–2014.1 Specifically, we expose social and political structures of this diaspora, including mechanisms of survival in a context of harsh living conditions, a fragile legal status and a hostile environment. Following Werbner’s analysis of diasporas as chaordic entities, having no single representation and fostering multiple identities, we show how chaordicness underlies this diaspora’s ability to survive and thrive in Israel, and to embrace the unique Eritrean trans-local nationalism. We highlight how these public religious rituals were transformed into contested sites of identity formation following Israeli struggles against them. Finally, we shed light on the role that such ceremonies play in shaping transnational identities, as well as how disenfranchised communities of asylum seekers aim for visibility and recognition in the public sphere

Aesthetics · Context (archaeology · Diaspora · Identity (music · Identity formation · Lament · Media studies · Nationalism · Political science · Politics · Public sphere · Refugee · Social science · Sociology · African history and culture analysis · African Studies and Geopolitics · Gender Studies · History · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Law