From fedj to social worker: the metamorphosis of a traditional role among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel
Rosen, H.
Revue Europeenne des Migrations Internationales 12(3): 61-76
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0765-0752 PMID: 12292943 Document Number: 307307
"This paper looks at the current efforts of key individuals within the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel to assist in the adjustment and integration of new immigrants....A central finding of the research is that a transformation can be said to have taken place, whereby the kinds of expectations once held of a person who served in a traditional role known as fedj, representing people and handling their affairs for them, have been placed upon certain individuals who are working in the area of social services. A case study is made of the ¿metamorphosis' of one individual in particular who managed to go from acting in a fedj-like manner...to becoming a certified social worker in charge of a large staff and organizer of a program to train a new generation of local people to serve their community like a good fedj." (EXCERPT)