Ceremony in Drammen honors victims of 2011 Utøya terror attack, calls for action against extremism

On Monday, a solemn ceremony was held at the July 22 memorial in Drammen, honoring the victims of the 2011 Utøya terror attack. Hilde Danielsen, a board member of the support group for the attack’s victims, spoke emotionally of her son, a survivor of the tragedy. She emphasized the importance of addressing the rising issues of terrorism, hate speech, and radicalization worldwide.

The ceremony was marked by tearful eyes, trembling voices, and the laying of flowers. “Standing here today is profoundly moving, especially when reflecting on those we’ve lost and those who bear emotional and physical scars. They deserve our attention,” she stated.

Drammen’s Mayor, Kjell Arne Hermansen, was among the speakers, reiterating the vital message: “We must never forget.” The brutal events of July 22, 2011, saw a terrorist detonate a bomb in the government quarter before attacking a camp of young members of the Workers’ Youth League with firearms, resulting in the loss of 77 lives.

Emilie Sveva, leader of the AUF Buskerud, noted that since 2011, Norway has experienced two additional extremist attacks, indicating that the extremist ideologies persist. “We need to learn from history and prevent hatred from growing,” she urged.

She remembered three young girls from Drammen who perished in the attack, urging for ongoing discussions about extremism and the factors that can lead to such violence, including loneliness and exclusion.

Danielsen added that fostering open conversations about difficult issues and investing in youth are crucial in combating extremism. “While we may never completely eliminate feelings of exclusion, with a broad vision and good attitudes, we can cultivate hope for the future,” she concluded.