Bishop Helgudóttir condemns treatment of 12-year-old Palestinian boy in Iceland

Iceland’s Bishop Gudrún Karls Helgudóttir has condemned the treatment of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, Yazan Tamimi, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Following a distressing incident where Yazan was taken into police custody at Landspítali hospital, the Bishop expressed her sorrow over the recent tragic events in Iceland that have profoundly affected the community.

In a poignant statement, the Bishop highlighted the societal implications of having three murder cases involving children under police investigation this year, along with an increase in suicides and fatal accidents among adults. She emphasized the need for honest discussions about mental health with children, fostering compassion and understanding.

The scheduled deportation of Yazan and his family was postponed by Minister of Justice Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir after political discussions among government officials, demonstrating a split over whether to permanently halt the deportation.

Bishop Helgudóttir criticized the inhumane policies that allow such actions, particularly those taken by police under the cover of night at a children’s hospital. She argued that unity in grief and open dialogues are crucial for healing, urging society to create a more compassionate environment for all, especially vulnerable children.

She called upon adults to engage more meaningfully with children, teaching them the importance of kindness and standing up for one another, to nurture a culture of compassion. The Bishop expressed her deepest sympathies to those hurting from recent events and urged the community to uphold love and solidarity, advocating for a society where everyone, including sick children, can thrive.