Moving Tribute To The Norwegian Victims Of The Oslo And Utoya Attacks

A moving ceremonial brought together residents and visitors to honour nan 77 lives mislaid successful nan 2011 violent attacks successful Oslo and connected nan land of Utoya. Fourteen years on, nan representation of nan young victims remains profoundly felt successful Alfaz del Pi, this Alicante town, location to Spain’s largest Norwegian community.

The tribute was held astatine nan Johan Galtung Peace Park. Representatives from nan section and Scandinavian communities laid reddish roses astatine nan ft of a sculpture by Basque creator Agustin Ibarrola — a awesome of peace, populist and freedom, donated successful representation of nan victims.

This year’s event, which took spot connected Tuesday July 22, included heartfelt speeches and moments of silence, according to a connection from nan Town Council. Martine Mertens, councillor for International Residents, said: “The events of July 22, 2011, near a heavy effect connected Alfaz. This yearly tribute strengthens nan enslaved pinch Norway and helps america support nan victims’ representation alive.”

She urged nan organization to uphold nan values nan victims stood for: “Tolerance, equality and diverseness must beryllium portion of our regular lives. We must cull dislike and discrimination.”

Far-right extremist

On 2011, Norway was shaken by 2 devastating attacks carried retired by a far-right extremist. The first was a car explosive detonation extracurricular authorities buildings successful cardinal Oslo, which killed 8 group and caused wide damage.

Just hours later, nan attacker opened occurrence astatine a Labour Party younker campy connected nan land of Utoya, sidesplitting 69 people, astir of them teenagers. The coordinated assaults marked nan deadliest enactment of coercion successful Norway since nan Second World War and near nan federation grappling pinch profound condolences and reflection.

Norwegian life successful Spain

With complete 2,500 Norwegians officially registered and a full organization estimated astatine up to 8,000, Alfaz del Pi has agelong been a cornerstone for Norwegian life successful Spain. The municipality hosts 2 Norwegian schools, a religion successful Albir, and nan only charismatic Norwegian volunteering centre extracurricular Norway.

Randi Langkaas, from nan Norwegian Church successful Alfaz, reflected connected nan lessons learned: “We must guidelines for quality rights, respect our differences and take sides our beliefs done serene means.” She closed pinch a poem by Frode Grytten, written aft nan attacks.

Peace and antiauthoritarian values

The arena was attended by section councillors, Norwegian residents, nan Costa Blanca Norwegian Club, and young volunteers from De Amicitia. Live euphony by Juan Ignacio and Marta Almagro added a intense touch arsenic roses were placed astatine nan monument. Alfaz del Pi reaffirms its committedness to bid and antiauthoritarian values, opinionated agreed successful remembrance and hope.