A brief catalog of stories: Honoring the victims of the July 22 attacks

Exactly 10 years have passed since the day 77 lives were senselessly taken.

Since facing the horror that was July 22, 2011, communities and individuals across Norway and beyond have grieved, remembered, and embarked on healing processes in different ways.

Three days after the attacks, over 150,000 people gathered in Oslo carrying red and white roses to honor the victims. The gathering was an outpouring of support and togetherness started spontaneously by a wounded community.

In 2019, the Iron Rose Memorial was built in the Norwegian capital, at the site of the vigil, permanently marking the sea of roses that flooded Oslo’s capital three days after the attacks. To date, over 1000 roses have been sent in from all over the world. Family members and friends of those who were killed, and blacksmiths wishing to show solidarity, crafted roses out of iron, copper, bronze, silver, and glass for the memorial.

The rose sea was one of the first steps in a healing journey that continues today. It will carry on for generations to come.

The July 22 attack uprooted families, friend groups, and communities that were left heartbroken and missing their members as the result of the unthinkable; of something never thought possible.

Mothers and fathers lost sons and daughters. Children lost parents. Siblings lost brothers and sisters. Best friends were broken apart. Opportunities to go to university, to fall in love, to start a family, to go home and hug a loved one, were gone.

Some were holding each other as they passed. Some died to save another.

Survivors continue to live with the unimaginable pain of having witnessed an atrocity. Some were badly wounded, and many barely escaped with their lives after swimming from the island to safety. Most were teenagers and young adults, and they were wickedly forced to see their friends and colleagues killed before their eyes.

Today, and every day, we remember July 22 and the lives that were irrevocably altered, and those that were taken too early.

Let us honor the victims and never forget their names. They are still with us, always, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Though their lives were taken from it, their impacts on this world were not. Though their lives were taken, their spirits were not.

77 souls

We cannot tell of a whole life, of a whole soul, in words. What we can do is try to offer a small tribute in remembrance of the person.

This information was first published by BBC in 2016.

Lost in Oslo

Hanna Endresen, 61, Oslo

Hanna was a receptionist in the security department of the Government Administration Services. She was described as a “good colleague”.

Tove Ashill Knutsen, 56, Oslo

Tove was a secretary with the electricians and information technology workers’ union. She was on her way to the subway station when the bomb in Oslo exploded.

Kai Hauge, 32, Oslo

Kai owned a bar and restaurant in Oslo. A colleague described his death as “a great loss”.

Jon Vegard Lervag, 32, Oslo

Jon was a lawyer who worked in the justice department. He was described as “socially engaged”.

Ida Marie Hill, 34, Oslo

Originally from Grue, Hedmark County, Ida worked as an adviser to the ministry of justice. She was described as “a dear and highly-valued employee”.

Hanne Ekroll Loevlie, 30, Oslo

Hanne was a senior government worker originally from Tyristrand, Buskerud county. Colleagues said she “represented the best in us”.

Anne Lise Holter, 51, Valer i Oestfold, Oestfold county

Anne was a senior consultant to Norway’s PM Jens Stoltenberg’s office. Officials sent their “warmest thoughts and sympathy” to her family and friends.

Kjersti Berg Sand, 26, Nord-Ordal

Kjersti worked on international issues in Justice Department. Colleagues said they had lost a “dear and highly valued employee”.

Lost on Utøya

Mona Abdinur, 18, Oslo

Mona, a committed young politician, was described as “a well-loved friend, who was socially engaged and interested in multicultural issues”.

Maria Maageroe Johannesen, 17, Noetteroey, Vestfold county

Maria was a student at Greve Forest High School who was interested in music, dance, and drama. She was described as a wonderful, conscientious girl who was a “ray of sunshine”.

Ismail Haji Ahmed 19 Hamar, Hedmark county

Ismail was better known as Isma Brown after appearing on a talent show. The dance instructor was described as a “very bubbly, happy, caring and happy boy. He was very positive with a very big heart.”

Ronja Soettar Johansen, 17, Vefsn, Nordland county

An active blogger, Ronja had a keen interest in music. Friends said she was “a person with courage, commitment, and kindness”.

Thomas Margido Antonsen, 16, Oslo

Thomas was a student council representative. He was described by friends as “a boy who spread joy”.

Sondre Kjoeren, 17, Orkdal, Soer-Troendelag county

Sondre was described as a gentle but committed person. He was said to have been heavily involved in efforts to get a new sports hall in his village.

Porntip Ardam, 21, Oslo

Known as Pamela, she was described as talented, super-intelligent, politically active, and down to earth.

Margrethe Boeyum Kloeven, 16, Baerum, Akershus county

Margrethe, a Student Council Leader, was described as an “active and versatile girl”.

Modupe Ellen Awoyemi, 15, Drammen, Buskerud county

Modupe was the daughter of city council politician Lola Awoyemi. She was described as a kind and open girl who was active in AUF discussions.

Syvert Knudsen, 17, Lyngdal, Vest-Agder county

Syvert, a student politician, is believed to have been one of the first shot on the island. His family described him as a “bubbly” boy with a keen interest in music.

Lene Maria Bergum, 19, Namsos, Nord-Troendelag

Lene’s headteacher described her as an excellent, beautiful youth, who was sociable and interested in international issues. She had planned to start a summer job as a journalist.

Anders Kristiansen, 18, Bardu, Troms county

Anders was an active young politician and leader of the AUF in his area. He was said to be “full of initiative” with “a great desire to work in politics”.

Kevin Daae Berland, 15, Akoey, Hordaland county

Kevin was active in Askoey AUF and was involved in local politics as well as being a member of the youth council.

Elisabeth Troennes Lie, 16, Halden, Oestfold county

Elisabeth was a Board Member of the Halden AUF. She was described as “the sweetest person in the world”.

Trond Berntsen, 51, Oevre Eiker, Buskerud county

Trond was the Crown Princess of Norway’s step-brother. The royal court said the off-duty police officer was killed while working as a security guard on the island.

Gunnar Linaker, 23, Bardu, Troms county

Gunnar was regional secretary of the Labor Party’s youth wing. His father described him as a “calm, big teddy bear with lots of humor and lots of love”.

Sverre Flate Bjoerkavag, 28, Sula, Soer-Troendelag county

Sverre was a union official concerned about justice, equality, and community thinking. He was described as a well-liked young man who fought for pupils’ and students’ rights. He was training to be a nurse.

Tamta Lipartelliani, 23, Georgia

Tamta was Secretary of the international committee of the Young Socialists of Georgia.

Torjus Jakobsen Blattmann, 17, Kristiansand,Vest-Agder county

Torjus was the son of a former political adviser. His father said he was a boy “full of humor” who loved playing the guitar.

Eva Kathinka Lutken, 17, Sarpsborg, Oestfold county

Eva was described as an active politician who was well-liked.

Monica Boesei, 45, Hole, Buskerud county

About Monica, then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said: “To many of us, she was the embodiment of Utoeya. And now she is dead. Shot and killed whilst taking care of and giving joy to young people.”

Even Flugstad Malmedal, 18, Gjoevik, Oppland county

Even, a student with an interest in politics, was described as “a gentle boy who stood up for his friends”.

Carina Borgund, 18, Oslo

Friends and family said Carina was “kind, caring, gentle and positive. She loved life and spread joy to everyone around her”.

Tarald Kuven Mjelde, 18, Osteroey

Tarald was said to be a big fan of the Chelsea football team and described as “very warm, friendly and socially engaged”.

Johannes Buoe, 14, Mandal, Vest-Agder county

Johannes was “an independent boy with a good sense of humor,” his parents told NRK. He was interested in dogs, hunting, snowmobiling and took an active part in the youth community.

Ruth Benedicte Vatndal Nilsen, 15, Toensberg, Vestfold county

Ruth was described by friends as “always happy, positive, and without prejudice”.

Asta Sofie Helland Dahl, 16, Sortland, Nordland county

Teachers described Asta as a wonderful girl who was “open and cheerful”.

Hakon Oedegaard, 17, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Hakon was a music student at Heimdal High School and a member of the Byasen school marching band. He was described as a role model for others in the band.

Sondre Furseth Dale, 17, Haugesund, Rogaland county

Sondre had a large network of friends through the music scene and politics. He was described as a dedicated person who put 100% into everything he was interested in.

Emil Okkenhaug, 15, Levanger, Nord-Troendelag county

Emil was a sports lover described as modest and liked by all who knew him.

Monica Iselin Didriksen, 18, Sund, Hordaland county

Active in Sund AUF, Monica was described by friends as a unique and bubbly girl.

Diderik Aamodt Olsen, 19, Nesodden, Akershus county

Diderik was Vice President of Nesodden AUF. He was the youngest member of the editorial staff working on the organization’s magazine.

Gizem Dogan, 17, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Gizem was described as a clever student who contributed to the cohesion of her class. She was elected a central member of the local AUF a month before the tragedy.

Henrik Pedersen, 27, Porsanger, Finnmark county

Henrik was the leader of Porsanger AUF. He was described as a “breath of fresh air” in the local community. A Labor colleague said he was very engaged and engaging.

Andreas Edvardsen, 18, Sarpsborg, Oestfold county

Andreas was Director of Sarpsborg AUF and active in the Labor youth league regional committee in Oestfold. He was described as “a very caring and confident person”.

Rolf Christopher Johansen Perreau, 25, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Known as Christopher, he was a long-term member of the AUF and was elected to the board in October. He was described as a skilled orator and a charismatic young politician.

Tore Eikeland, 21, Osteroy, Hordaland county

Then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg described Tore as “one of our most talented young politicians”.

Karar Mustafa Qasim, 19, Vestby, Akershus county

Originally from Iraq, Karar was with friends at summer camp when he was killed. The local mayor described his death as “an enormous tragedy”.

Bendik Rosnaes Ellingsen, 18, Rygge, Oestfold county

Bendik had a summer job at the Justice Ministry before attending camp. He was Secretary of Moss Regional Labour Youth, who said they had lost a caring, open, and inclusive boy.

Bano Abobakar Rashid, 18, Nesodden, Akershus county

Bano was the leader of Nesodden AUF. She was said to have dedicated her life to fighting for democracy and against racism.

Aleksander Aas Eriksen, 16, Meråker, Nord-Troendelag county

Aleksander was described as socially engaged as well as “impulsive and passionate”.

Henrik Rasmussen, 18, Hadsel, Nordland county

Henrik was Treasurer of Hadsel AUF. He was said to be a very committed person, both in politics and culture.

Andrine Bakkene Espeland, 16, Fredrikstad, Oestfold county

Andrine was described as a politically engaged girl who was keen to take care of the weakest.

Synne Roeyneland, 18, Oslo

Synne was a student described by friends as a “funny girl, who always had something to offer: opinions about politics and love and fun and witty comments”.

Hanne Balch Fjalestad, 43, Lunner, Oppland county

The Danish government confirmed Hanne, a Danish national, was killed while working on the island as a first-aid assistant. She was with her 20-year-old daughter, who survived the shooting.

Ida Beathe Rogne, 17, Oestre Toten, Oppland county

Ida was a keen student described as happy and funny as well as determined.

Silje Merete Fjellbu, 17, Tinn, Telemark county

Silje was a student politician described as a “wonderful girl who had much to contribute”.

Simon Saebo, 18, Salangen, Troms county

Simon, a student politician, was said to be a natural leader. Those who knew him described him as trusting and kind, and a person who showed great concern for others.

Hanne Kristine Fridtun, 19 Stryn, Sogn og Fjordane county

Hanne, a nursing student, was the local AUF County Chairman described as energetic with great commitment.

Marianne Sandvik, 16, Hundvag, Stavanger

Marriane, a student, was described as a quiet girl who always stood up for those who needed her. Her father said she was concerned with injustice in the world.

Andreas Dalby Groennesby, 17, Stange, Hedmark county

Andreas’ father had exchanged text messages with him before the shooting. His father told NRK that public support had helped at a painful, terrible time.

Fredrik Lund Schjetne, 18, Eidsvoll, Akershus county

Fredrik was described by friends as “a great person” whom it was “an honor” to have known.

Snorre Haller, 30, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Snorre was a painter and a union man. He was a Board Member of the Joint Association’s Central Youth Committee. He was described as a “kind, quiet and generous man”.

Lejla Selaci, 17, Fredrikstad, Oestfold county

Lejla was Leader of the AUF in Fredrikstad. She was described as a “very happy and social girl who committed herself to what she believed in”.

Rune Havdal, 43, Oevre Eiker, Buskerud county

Rune worked as a security guard on the island of Utøya.

Birgitte Smetbak, 15, Noetteroey, Vestfold county

Politicians from Birgitte’s local area said hearing news of her death was “a difficult day”.

Guro Vartdal Havoll, 18, Oersta, Moere og Romsdal

Guro, a student, was an active and determined politician. Her family said she was inspired by Ghandi and wanted to make the world a “better place”.

Isabel Victoria Green Sogn, 17, Oslo

Isabel was an enthusiastic member of the AUF who saw her future involved in politics.

Ingrid Berg Heggelund, 18, As, Akershus county

Ingrid was a student who said she loved going to school.

Silje Stamneshagen, 18, Askoey, Hordaland county

Silje was active in Askoey AUF and played in the school band. Classmates described her as a happy girl who lit up the school day and every day.

Karin Elena Holst, 15, Rana, Nordland county

Karin, a member of the Rana AUF, spoke to her mother during the shooting. She had urged her daughter to hang up and hide.

Victoria Stenberg, 17, Nes, Akershus county

Victoria was the oldest of three siblings. She was said to be looking forward to the youth camp.

Eivind Hovden, 15, Tokke, Telemark county

Eivind was involved in his local youth center and was attending his first summer camp. He was described as an “amazing guy, always happy, caring and helpful”.

Tina Sukuvara, 18, Vadsoe, Finnmark county

Tina was described as “very talented and engaged” and a person who participated actively in political debates.

Jamil Rafal Mohamad Jamil, 20, Eigersund, Rogaland county

Originally from Iraq, Jamil was described as happy, attentive, and curious with a strong desire to contribute.

Sharidyn Svebakk-Boehn, 14, Drammen, Buskerud county

Known as Sissi to friends and family, this schoolgirl was described as a “beautiful, caring, and vibrant girl”.

Steinar Jessen, 16 Alta, Finnmark county

Steinar was a keen member of the AUF. The mayor of Alta described him as “a flower that would have grown big and strong”.

Havard Vederhus, 21, Oslo

Havard was elected Leader of Oslo Labour Youth in February of 2011. Friends said he was “ambitious and fearless”.

Espen Joergensen, 17, Bodoe, Nordland county

Espen had recently become Head of Bodoe AUF. His best friend said he was someone who could “light up the darkest days”.

Source: #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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