Family of journalist and professor Aaron Berhane – co-founder of the first private newspaper in independent Eritrea, will host signing of his memoir “The Burden of Exile” at 12:30pm on November 6th at Hirut Café in Toronto Canada. Aaron’s daughter Ms. Frewini Berhane in charge of the book signing event and family members will be present at this special event, that is open for the public. The editor of the book , and PEN Canada’s executive director Brendan Caires will also be attending the book signing.
Aaron Berhane was the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the first private newspaper in Eritrea published after the Press Proclamation No.90/1996 – Gazette of Eritrean Laws. Aaron passed in May 2021 before his memoir made it to the publisher. Aaron was dedicated husband, father, journalist, professor and activist.
“The Burden of Exile” narrates Aaron’s life journey as young reporter, father, and the dangerous journey to escape Eritrean government’s nationwide hunt and incarceration of dozens private newspaper journalists in September 2001.
Speaking to Setit media on the high anticipation of readers and what to expect from her father’s memoir, Frewini said “The readers should expect to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the extreme challenges and obstacles journalists face in Eritrea for speaking or broadcasting the truth.” She further added “The challenge doesn’t stop there however, even after escaping the dictator regime, the government tries to find a way to create more obstacles that directly interferes their freedom of speech. ”
‘The Burden of Exile’ published by Dundurn Press is now available online at the Dundurn Press website. Excerpts from the publisher reads -“Berhane’s story is one of bravery amid complicated international geopolitics, of spies, guns, and betrayal, and — ultimately — of triumph and the piecing together of family in a cold new country.” Dundurn Press.
Echoing her late father’s tenacity and staying the course in purse and realization of free press and justice, Frewini expressed her expectation saying “People both in exile and at home to understand the true meaning of resilience and to fight for the cause you believe is right tirelessly. Never give up.”
The book signing will take place at the following address Hirut Café, 2050 Danforth Ave, Toronto ON M4C 1J6 Canada. ብዳሓን ምጹ!