In memory of Degeufe Hailu

June 6, 2019
Issue 
Deguefe Odysseas Hailu.

Everyone who met Deguefe Odysseas Hailu, who passed away after a short period of illness on May 22, remembers him as a quietly spoken and gentle person.

But he was also passionately committed to the struggle for democracy and social justice, a longstanding member of the Socialist Alliance and a writer of several articles on Ethiopian politics for Green Left Weekly.

Degeufe was born in Ethiopia on April 5, 1955, the eldest of four siblings. From a young age he was an avid reader and he became inspired by US Black rights activist Malcolm X and Belay Zeleke, a leader of the Ethiopian resistance to Italian colonial occupation.

Degeufe won a scholarship to a university in Greece where he trained as a dentist. In 1985, he migrated to Australia as it was not safe for him to return to war-torn Ethiopia.

However, he could not afford to pay for the expensive re-training that would allow him to practice dentistry in Australia. Instead he worked as a translator for Centrelink, where he was well-respected and liked by fellow workers and clients.

Apart from joining the Socialist Alliance, Degeufe was a co-founder of the Ethiopian Community Association of NSW and a former vice-president of the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency which helped many refugees and migrants.

About 200 people attended his funeral, reflecting Degeufe’s warm personality and life of commitment to justice and the welfare of others.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.