Reporting from Orebro, Sweden, Jacob Kasselia, a Syrian orthodox priest, looked up at the stained glass windows of the church where he stood. He had lost a member of his congregation in the recent attack, 29-year-old Salim Iskef. Describing Iskef as a kind and helpful man, Kasselia expressed his grief over the loss.
The attack, which took place at the Risbergska school, was the first school shooting in Sweden’s history, leaving 10 students dead along with the gunman. Among the victims were Syrians and Bosnians, but the police had not released any official details.
The lack of information from the authorities added to the fear and uncertainty among Orebro’s immigrant communities. Nour Afram, who was present during the attack, expressed her concerns about safety and the need for more information about the motive behind the shooting.
As the community mourned the loss of lives, residents and officials came together to pay their respects at the memorial site. The city’s mayor, John Johansson, emphasized the importance of finding answers and understanding why such a tragedy occurred.
Despite the tragic events, there was a sense of unity and support among the residents of Orebro. Mourners left candles and flowers at the site of the shooting, showing solidarity in the face of adversity. The community vowed to stand strong together in the wake of the tragedy.