Page Dedicated to Prof Asrat

                                                                https://www.facebook.com/prof.Asrat

"This page is dedicated to the most cherished political leader Prof. Asrat Woldyes, in memory of his commitment to his fellow country- men and women, his courage and determination as president of the All Amhara People’s Organization, the astounding honesty in leadership he demonstrated to the people of Ethiopia, his kindness and sympathy to all Ethiopians regardless of ethnic, religion and other belongingness as a Medical doctor, and to the love he demonstrated to his country. The dedicator of this page Zenebe Tamirat witnesses the above characteristics of the professor from his political experience under his leadership and the knowledge he gained working very close with him as vice chairman of the Addis Ababa Region of the All Amhara People’s Organization,"  runs the dedication plaque in the memorial page. It was dedicated by his disciple, Zenebe Tamirat, who witnessed his genuinity experiencing political activities closely working with the professor. Over 647 viewers " liked" the page in a exposal of just a week. Log in to face book by clicking the link  https://www.facebook.com/prof.Asrat and like the page to show your solidarity to the cause he sacrificed his life for. Right today his sacrifice is burning in Dessie with the people rising against suppression and rule by the muzzle of the gun. Children of Ethiopia of all places, Get ready for a worldwide demonstration to be held on May 14, the day the professor was sacrificed. Get up and form committees in your communities to challenge dictators and show them the legacy and the spirit of Professor Asrat is still a nightmare to them. Dewol is ready to serve as a center of the great demonstration to be held world wide on the memorial day of the professor, May 14, 2014.

 Professor Asrat was born June 12, 1928 in Harrar, Ethiopia. In 1936, when young Asrat was only 8, Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia and his father had to respond to the call of the mother land who needed the devotion of its children to defend its freedom. Asrat was then sent to his grandfather in Addis to attend primary education. Young Asrat continued his education under the care of his grand pa. He was fast and bright with a great hope for Ethiopia but with no hope to reunite with his father who never returned back, sacrificed to the obligation required for the freedom of the motherland. Upon the vanquishing of the invading enemy, Asrat was sent for further education first to Cairo to attend secondary school and then to Edinburgh where he completed his medical education with a doctorate degree of great distinction. Coming back home, Asrat worked as a medical doctor saving the lives of millions of people. He helped found the Medical School of the Addis Ababa University and was the dean until he was forced to dedicate his life in 1991, to defend mother Ethiopia from TPLF bandits who forcibly seized power and continued the works of Fascist Italy that his father fought to the death. Giving up his medical career, he formed the All Amhara People's Organization, vehemently opposed the secession of Eritrea and the Bantustanization Agenda of the Tigray Liberation Front (TPLF). He based his political philosophy on advocating the continuation of united Ethiopia as a mosaic of diverse culture but one political unit. The ethnic based TPLF/ELF coalition did not like Asrat’s philosophy of one Ethiopia; rather they ganged together to attack him personally when they were rejected politically. They jailed him and asked him to demand pardon for his freedom. Asrat rejected the offer and preferred to die standing for the truth instead of serving the baseless purpose of TPLF/ EPLF, who finally fought each other after exposing him to a deadly imprisonment at the age of 70. Here is a witness of a British Journalist, the Guardian “Asrat was a man of great dignity and courtesy, stubborn to the point of cussedness, arguably politically naive. Throughout his five years' harsh imprisonment, Amnesty International, with other humanitarian organizations and numerous individuals, including now elderly Scottish doctors, campaigned for his release. Until very late, however, western governments, whose intervention might have carried weight with the Meles government, refused to go beyond occasional expressions of concern, apparently fearing to irritate a regime which, despite obvious shortcomings, was pro-western and a vast improvement on its predecessor.” “It is hard to avoid the conclusion, though, that if those governments had worked harder and earlier, they might have averted the premature day the earth of the most distinguished, and one of the most courageous, Ethiopians of our time.” And, here ends the words of the witness but not the fight for democracy in Ethiopia! Asrat was assassinated by the sabotage of the leaders of TPLF, but the struggle continues until the thousands of Asrats that have been incubated by the sacrifice of their leader. Asrat became the second generation in the patriotic family of Woldeyes who died fighting against Fascist inversion, so shall his followers be the third.. But some more and last words from the witness I quoted above and that I refuse to accept “Asrat Woldeyes, doctor and politician, born June 12, 1928; died May 14, 1999.” He did not die! Zenebe Tamirat (2014) 

720 Ethiopians Commit Suicide Every Year: Gathering on Mental Health Awareness Reveals

By Zenebe G. Tamirat

On March 29, 2014 dozens of Ethiopians and other African Community members gathered at the Los Angeles, Veteran Hall of Culver City, to discuss Mental Health Problems that are rapidly growing in the Ethiopian Community.  

According to a leaflet circulated in the gathering, the African Communities Public Health Coalition (ACPHC) was founded in response to the lack of proper mental health outreach and the growing problem of mental illness in African communities, mainly in the Ethiopian community apparently in the Diaspora, and particularly, here in the State of California.

                In a brief speech she made at the gathering of the Ethiopian Community Mental Health Training and Education Project, sponsored by its creator, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), Dr. Breanda Ingram, just whispered but not brag about how ACPH was created. She did not brag about it, because the idea of the creation had sprung in the office of some ladies working in the LACDMH office, including herself. She remained humble rather than proud of her great job.  On the part of the Ethiopian wing, the motor behind this great initiation was Senayet Admasu, a tireless young lady who devotedly serve her community day-in and day-out.

            Dr.  Tedela W. Giorgis (PhD), a demonstratively able professional of mental health with incredible knowledge and vast experience both in the U.S.A. and travelling abroad presented the lessons on Mental Health in relation with Ethiopian Diaspora in North America and the folks at home. According to Dr. Giorgis, “Suicide is the sincerest form of hopelessness.”  In his view, we have got to deal with mental health disorder in our community or it will take care of its victims “In 32 years of services,” he says, “I have lost one Ethiopian. When there is no one to help them they commit suicide, they cut their lives out.” He sadly emphasizes. “We have got to deal with mental health disorder!”

            Prominent mental health issues in Ethiopia include depression, suicide, bipolar-depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse such as alcohol and “chat or Khat,” (a green plant, with minor drug content, the leaves of which are chewable. Khat is illegal in the U.S). Depression represents 5% in the prevalence of mental illness in Ethiopia and suicide rate is 7.7 per million per year, according to Dr. Tedela W. Giorgis. This means about 720 persons die committing suicide every year in Ethiopia due to depression.

Mental health problems may lead to difficulty in understanding and communicating, getting around, self-care, getting along with people and working (including house work). The mentally ill is exposed to stigma, discrimination and abuse. According to Dr. Giorgis, stigma increases the burden of disease even further.

 

Among the causes of mental illness, biological causes such as genetically inherited causes, chemical imbalance in the brain, head injury, alcohol or “Khat” use, and under nutrition are considered.  Also Psychological causes include, traumatic childhood, too many worries, or anxiety, stress and family problems, disappointment, frustration, severe shock and migration and acculturation to a new environment are observed. Accounted to as causes of mental illness are also social causes, such as poverty, isolation, migration and discrimination.

            The Ethiopian Community Mental health Training and Education Project will continue teaching and alarming the dangers of mental illness, according to the pioneering motivator Senayet Admasu. Number of participants in the work-shop last Sunday was very low. In her closing speech, Senayet called members of the Los Angeles Ethiopian Community to take advantage of the free services that the project is offering by participating in the next gathering. Those who need consultation may contact the Association via telephone number, Tall free, (24/7 mental health access), 1-800 854-7771 or (213) 909-7379. May also visit www.africancoalition.org.

Book Review and Signing Accompanied by Poem Readings, Sunday April 6, 2014 3.00 PM, Messob Res Los Angeles

                                                                

Dr. Wubeshet Asefa Book Review and Signing

Accompanied by Poem Readings,  Sunday April 6, 2014   3 .00 PM,

Messob, Los Angeles CA

                                                
                                     Bad News: AEUP-Andinet Failed to Unite
     

AEUP and Andinet that disunited after the disastrous political failure in 2005 again botched to reunite after nerve-wracking, overt and covert negotiations that took place in the past many months.   In a press release issued last week, Andinet blamed AEUP for goofing the already accomplished unification. We all agreed to merge and operate as a single party on Sunday and scheduled to announce the agreement officially on the coming Thursday when we got the horrible news of the changing in minds of the AEUP leaders on Monday, the morrow we separated cheering up the well done job we did!” ….” We have nothing more to do except revealing the unfortunate news to the public;” said an Andinet official who talked to us by phone. The gentleman was in the negotiating team and preferred to remain anonymous because the whole thing was shameful and agonizing.     

Book Review and Signing

A new book entitled “Ethiopian: Sports, Games & Entertainments,” by Dr.Webshet Asefa, has been in the market since the past few months. A review and signing event is now scheduled to be held on April 6, 2014 in Los Angeles, the author announced. The event will take place at the renowned Ethiopian Restaurant, Messob. Dr. Asefa, a former College Professor, has lived in the U.S.A. in the past several years. Dewol has scheduled a session for an interview and will come up with the professor before the event. Dr. Asefa other than being a boy in the same hood was also a schoolmate to the blogger of our informative portal “Dewol.”

Abu Ghaith, Bin Laden’s Son- in- law convicted

            One of the notorious criminals who helped the disruptive 9/11 to happen has been convicted yesterday at a New York Court. Other than agitating Muslims to stand together against the U.S.A. the defamed felon had had a personal meeting with Osama Bin Laden just a few days before 9/11, according to the report. It is awonder that the U.S. limitless democracy allowed; the lethal fanatic defend himself in a court of justice where he declared “not guilty.” "He was more than just Osama bin Laden's propaganda minister," Bharara said. "Within hours after the devastating 9/11 attacks, Abu Ghaith was using his position in al-Qaida's homicidal hierarchy to persuade others to pledge themselves to al-Qaida in the cause of murdering more Americans," reported Yahoo News. http://news.yahoo.com/bin-laden-son-law-convicted-nyc-terror-trial-145741955.html

           

E T H I O P I A N
Sports Games & Entertainment

Amha Wubetu Passed Away

<< < Picture curtsy of Ethiopia.org   

  

The dedicated pro-unity activist, Amha Wubetu passed away; Ethiopia.org reported. He was 74. According to a biography profile posted in Ethiopia.org, Ato Amha was born in Gondar, Ethiopia, in 1940. He completed elementary and secondary education there in Gondar, soon to come to Addis Ababa where he graduated as a Telecommunication Technician. He had served the Ethiopian Telecommunication Board for several years before he migrated to New York, U.S.A. In 1971, Ato Amha joined the Queens College where he graduated with a BSc degree. Continuing his education, Ato Amha had obtained two Master of Arts degrees in political Science and International Relations as well as in 

International Law and International Relations from the New York University and the New School of Social Research Institute in New York, respectively.

Utilizing his strenuous education as instruments for struggle, Ato Amha dedicated a large part of his life for the betterment of the lives of the mass of the people at home. His dedication for the betterment of Ethiopian life through good governance democracy and respect of human rights was demonstrated through various organizations he actively participated. His engagement against secessionists and ethnic-centered EPLF-TPLF anti-Ethiopia forces was highly reflected in his activities as a pioneering member of the New York Chapter of the Support Group for All Amhara People’s Organization and later in the Support Group of the “All Ethiopian Unity Party.”  As a member of the executive committee of the Support Group for Kinijit in North America, Ato Amha played an outstanding role that brought him respect among his compatriots. In all his activities, Amha enrolled his beloved wife, Woizero Zenebeworq, who never was away from his side in all assemblies he attended all over the United States.

The blogger of “Dewol,” Zenebe Tamirat, has always been an admirer of the dedicated couples who never missed a single meeting held in North America and deeply grief the loss of Ato Amha.  It is also a misfortune; that Woizero Zenebeworq lost a life-long partner who obliged her both as a husband and a compatriot; however, the loss is not restricted to her alone but also to all of us who struggled with them, as well as to the struggle for democracy in Ethiopia.

On behalf of its blogger, and all of the compatriots who were not able to express their condolences attending his funeral and or the celebration dedicated to him in the Teleconference conducted a few weeks ago, the informative portal “Dewol” expresses its deep sorrow and assure Woizero Zenebeworq that she will never be alone as all of us will carry the motto of her beloved husband to free Ethiopia from ethnic-centered vandalism. May “God rest his soul in peace.

 Source

(http://ethiopia.org/files/amha_wubetu.pdf) (http://ethiopia.org/files/amha_wubetu.pdf)

Compatriot Celebrated

Derejashworq Qitaw, a dedicated Political and Social Activist, who peacefully but fervidly fought against the Communist-Military dictatorship in Ethiopia (1974-1991) and against the subsequent occupation of the country by a Tigrean clannish force in 1992, has been celebrated yesterday in a ceremony held at First Lawn Memorial Park and the family residence at Pasadena, California.

Her struggle against the Woyanie Clannish force whose agenda is the dismantling of Ethiopia into pieces and the formation of Bantustan States, has been outlined as distinction to make her a celebrated woman of great spirit whose commitment for truth and democracy can be epitomized for the struggle at home that directs to prevail justice and democracy. The celebration took place first at First Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) where a memorial plaque dedicated by her family has been unveiled by her husband Mogus Brook and two children, Sirak and Teferi

A covenant in memory of her struggle for justice and democracy at home was also dedicated to her by compatriots who expressed their love and admiration to the contribution she made to the struggle for justice and democracy. In a brief ceremony that took place in the family residence at Pasadena, Dr. Getachew Haile described Derejash as a compassionate and kind person whose dedication to the society, friends and compatriots were paramount. He explained his experience with her and the family as wrapped with indescribable kindness, full of love and compassion. 

The covenant dedicated by her compatriots in her memory depicts her image at the center of the Tri color Ethiopian flag replacing the Lion and tearing down the Woyanie Scribble (informally referred as Ambasha). “This was the first time I saw a compatriot being celebrated this way,” says, Getenet Alebel, a dedicated supporter of the struggle for a change in Ethiopia. Dr. Getachew Mekasha referred to the image in the covenant as a “replacement of the Lion’s image during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. “It is only the lion that should be depicted in the center of the Ethiopian Flag. Derejash is a Lioness who deserves the honor of replacing the lion’s image in the Ethiopian flag,” he said. Major Tellele (rtd. EAF) expressed his admiration to the late compatriot as a protagonist who deserves the honor her compatriots has given her today.

The celebration of Derejashworq Qitaw, later caused a serious discussion on why compatriots are celebrated only on their death and ignored when they are alive? A general agreement has been reached to form a committee that studies the possibility of recognizing those Ethiopians in the Diaspora whose life is dedicated to the society.

Compatriot Celebrated

Derejashworq Qitaw, a dedicated Political and Social Activist, who peacefully but fervidly fought against the Communist-Military dictatorship in Ethiopia (1974-1991) and against the subsequent occupation of the country by a Tigrean clannish force in 1992, has been celebrated yesterday in a ceremony held at First Lawn Memorial Park and the family residence at Pasadena, California.

Her struggle against the Woyanie Clannish force whose agenda is the dismantling of Ethiopia into pieces and the formation of Bantustan States, has been outlined as distinction to make her a celebrated woman of great spirit whose commitment for truth and democracy can be epitomized for the struggle at home that directs to prevail justice and democracy. The celebration took place first at First Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) where a memorial plaque dedicated by her family has been unveiled by her husband Mogus Brook and two children, Sirak and Teferi

A covenant in memory of her struggle for justice and democracy at home was also dedicated to her by compatriots who expressed their love and admiration to the contribution she made to the struggle for justice and democracy. In a brief ceremony that took place in the family residence at Pasadena, Dr. Getachew Haile described Derejash as a compassionate and kind person whose dedication to the society, friends and compatriots were paramount. He explained his experience with her and the family as enfolded with indescribable kindness, full of love and compassion.  

The covenant dedicated by her compatriots in her memory depicts her image at the center of the Tri color Ethiopian flag replacing the Lion and tearing down the Woyanie Scribble (informally referred as Ambasha). “This was the first time I saw a compatriot being celebrated this way,” says, Getenet Alebel, a dedicated supporter of the struggle for a change in Ethiopia. Dr. Getachew Mekasha referred to the image in the covenant as a “replacement of the Lion’s image during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. “It is only the lion that should be depicted in the center of the Ethiopian Flag. Derejash is a Lioness who deserves the honor of replacing the lion’s image in the Ethiopian flag,” he said. Major Tellele (rtd. EAF) expressed his admiration to the late compatriot as a protagonist who deserves the honor her compatriots has given her today.

The celebration of Derejashworq Qitaw, later caused a serious discussion on why compatriots are celebrated only on their death and ignored when they are alive? A general agreement has been reached to form a committee that studies the possibility of recognizing those Ethiopians in the Diaspora whose life is dedicated to the society.