DANIEL Zewdu tells a compelling story of fear and misunderstanding that took place in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
September 11 is the Ethiopian New Year.
"Fifty-nine Ethiopians worked in the World Trade Centre but 58 were absent because of the New Year," he said.
"Of course, for the FBI and CIA, the Ethiopians were prime suspects because they were all absent.
"They pounded on the doors of these people to find them inside celebrating what they thought was the terrorist attacks but they were celebrating the New Year."
It was all sorted out quickly enough, but it is an example of the importance of cross-cultural understanding.
Zewdu has kept the lines of communication open for his own community as the host and producer of the Amharic Program on 3CR Community Radio from 8.30 to 9.30pm, Fridays for the past three years.
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and the language most commonly spoken by Ethiopians in Australia.
The Williamstown man arrived in Australia eight years ago and eventually became a committee member and then vice-president of the Ethiopian Community Association of Australia.
"While I was working with the people, we had no one on the radio so I took a couple of weeks training with 3CR and since then I have been producer, presenter and technical operator," he said.
"Community radio is for all people.
It's not about religion and politics.
The program is a mixture of news, current affairs, social-welfare issues, talks and views, sport, community information and music very much music."
Zewdu said his radio program helped Ethiopians new to Australia to "integrate more smoothly" ... although he despaired that most of them became Western Bulldogs fans rather than supporting his team Collingwood.
"The radio show maintains close communication with our community to provide information. Sometimes there is a lack of information," he said.
"Some people are scared by that lack of information. I advise them, not only do I teach them about their rights but mainly I focus on their obligation under the rule of law."
