But what about those people we don’t know? What about the faces no one recognizes? How do we as photographers relate to them? What is our connection? And how do we translate that into a portrait?

Eli Rubel, a young and talented photographer based in Los Angeles, found his subject through personal heritage. As a descendant of European Jews, he identified himself early on with a group of individuals that are slowly being forgotten. When we think of the Holocaust today, we usually think of it in its entirety; rarely breaking it down to the individuals that were victimized. As part of a generation almost twice removed now from the horror of the Holocaust, Rubel was determined to get a clearer understanding of the effects and forever archive the frail remains of such a catastrophic event through the lens of his camera. And thus, the Discovering Hope Project was conceived.

And he certainly doesn’t take the subject lightly. Shooting this project on black and white 8×10 film, Rubel has traveled great lengths all across the country to find and document these ‘survivors,’ taking the time to listen to their stories and piece together a visual version of history never seen before. Relentless and driven, he has gained the respect and financial sponsorship from numerous photographic organizations, not to mention a solo show at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust in 2010.

Rubel’s images are frank. A certain Avedon quality is present within them, but that in no way discounts his own personal photographic style. The images are simple and sharp. Some are off-beat moments that capture the subject in mid-thought, traveling back in time and reliving the horror all over again. Some are just empty stares that visually denote the life that had been sucked out of them so very long ago, leaving behind a delicate shell of involuntary sacrifice. While others indicate strength and the resilience to rise above. Through Rubel’s striking portraits we are an audience to this. We suddenly relate, identifying theirs with our own personal suffering, not that many of us could ever measure up.

This collection (or ‘archive’ as Rubel calls it) is truly a visual reminder of our history. History some of us choose to forget or — for those who are so far removed — don’t even know how to remember. It is a collection that will preserve a group that is slowly, one by one, fading away. A group of individuals who’s story needs to be heard. A group of faces that should be seen and recognized as heros and survivors. This collection gives that group a face and a voice. And it’s about time we take a moment, open our eyes, and listen.

Eli Rubel’s Discovering Hope project can be found at http://www.discoveringhopeproject.com/