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This archived article by Semere T. Habtermariam first appeared on January, 2005. We are republishing it here to help reflect on what was current ten-years ago. In a seemingly nonchalant fashion, some of us are in the habit of pointing the faults of the opposition. A friend argues that it is time to move on,…

In an unprecedented spirit of fraternity, a group of Eritreans from the Tri-state area, Pennsylvania and Delaware met to honor one of their own—the Eritrean-Swedish Member of Parliament, Mr. Arhe Hamednaca. They came together to celebrate his story; their story, for it reaffirms the potent power that lies in all of them. Arhe Hamednaca is…

Introduction by the translator (Semere T Habtemariam): In the absence of civic associations, communitarian and religious organizations usually fill the gap; and that is the case in Eritrea. The recent pastoral letter of the Catholic Church of Eritrea, the Solidarity letter of the North American Diocese of the Tewahdo Church and now the letter of…

Title: Eritrea At A Crossroads: A Narrative of Triumph, Betrayal and Hope Author: Andebrhan Welde Giorgis Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co. ISBN: 978-1-62857-331-2 Pages: 661 Price: $36.50 Website: http://sbprabooks.com/AndebrhanWeldeGiorgis Eritrea At a Crossroads is a compelling story of people who had waged an epic struggle for self-determination and succeeded, albeit for a short…

The Eritrean Orthodox Church’s Statement (Translated into English by Semere T Habtemariam) In a statement issued on the occasion of Eritrea’s Martyrs’ Memorial Day, June 20th, the Arch Diocese of North America of the Eritrean Orthodox Church expressed its unequivocal support for the Year-of-Faith’s Pastoral Letter of the four bishops of the Eritrean Catholic Church.…

I was moved and inspired by the courage of the four Eritrean Catholic Bishops and felt obliged to do something, or at least, shout out the proverbial expression of solidarity, “I am an Eritrean Catholic too.” Compelled by an irresistible urge to help and promote their cause, which is Eritrea’s cause, I took it upon…

My late brother Dawit had asserted that his favorite singer, Bereket Menghisteab, is irreplaceable. Occasionally and upon the insistence of younger siblings who ganged-up on him, he had conceded grudgingly: if there is anyone who might have succeeded in attaining that same level of vocal talent and excellence, then it has to be Dawit Efem.…

My 13 year old nephew once told me that all democratically elected presidents should convene a plenary session to pass a resolution that will forbid all dictators from calling themselves presidents. Oftentimes, it takes a child to let us know that “the emperor” is naked. Perhaps it is this recognition that made the prophet Isaiah…

In a culture that is not strong on expressing gratitude the word “yeqenyeley” has evolved to mean, “Thank you,” but its initial use seems to be more selfish and self-serving. It is simply used to express a wish of re-using an item again and again. The more accurate, refined and noble word “temesgen” is used…

Tesfay W. Degiga’s Eulogy for Ahmed Nasser In Memorial Service held in Oakland, California, on April 6, 2014 (Translated from Tigrinya by Semere T Habtemariam) When the news of the martyrdom of Tegadalay Ahmed Nasser was heard, Eritreans, from all the corners of the world, have found the news utterly shocking; we all have been…