In the middle of a grand, high-ceilinged church in Orebro, Sweden, Jacob Kasselia, a Syrian Orthodox priest, gazed at the stained glass windows above him, then down at his hands, adjusting the gold cross hanging from his neck.
The police say this man acted alone," the priest reflected. "But this hate is coming from somewhere.
Among those tragically killed in Orebro's first school shooting and the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history was Salim Iskef, a 29-year-old member of Kasselia's congregation. The attack claimed the lives of 10 students at an adult learning center and the shooter himself.
Iskef, described by Kasselia as kind and compassionate, had come to Sweden as a refugee from Aleppo with his mother and sister following his father's death in the war. Studying Swedish at Risbergska school, he was known for his goodwill and community spirit.
The aftermath of the attack left Iskef's fiancée, Kareen Elia, distraught and facing a profound emotional struggle as they were soon to be married. Kasselia sat with Iskef's family to provide solace.
The lack of official details from authorities following the shooting led to fear and uncertainty among Orebro's immigrant communities. Nour Afram, who was present during the attack, emphasized the need for more information about the incident.
Zaki Aydin, a Syriac language teacher, expressed concerns for his students' safety in light of the tragedy, noting a shift in security measures.
Reflecting on the impact of the shooting on Orebro, residents were left in confusion and sorrow. The city plunged into a period of anxiety and grief, waiting for answers about the assailant's motives.
As the community mourned the victims, the Syrian Orthodox church hosted a memorial service, drawing attendees from various migrant communities. The priest, Kasselia, questioned the senselessness of the attack and expressed the community’s struggle to comprehend such violence.
While the confirmation that the gunman acted alone eased fears of further attacks, Kasselia acknowledged that the root of such hatred remains unresolved and poses ongoing concerns.
Overall, the incident underscored the deep tragedy and lingering uncertainty in Orebro, prompting reflection on societal attitudes and the need for collective healing.