Crown Prince Haakon visited Al-Noor Islamic Center’s mosque in Bærum on Thursday afternoon. “It made a very strong impression to be present,” said the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was welcomed by representatives of the Islamic Council of Norway (IRN), Al-Noor Mosque and Bærum Mayor Lisbeth Hammer Krog (H).
It is almost two weeks since the attack on the mosque on Saturday 10 August. The Crown Prince was shown around the mosque, where there are bullet holes in the walls and blood stains on the carpet in the prayer room are still visible.
“What happened was incredibly dramatic, so just being present makes a very strong impression,” the crown prince told NTB.
“We talked about the experience of what has happened. They emphasized the loss to the family who lost a daughter. They also talked about how together we can build a good Norway in the future, a society where everyone can feel safe,” said the Crown Prince afterwards.
The IRN highlighted the importance of support from the royal palace after the mosque attack.
“We really appreciate the Crown Prince’s support and presence. And we especially appreciate the dialogue we have had with the Palace, which has been absolutely fantastic,” said IRN chairman Abdirahman Diriye.
“Terrorists, no matter what skin color or religion they belong to, have no place in our society,” the chairman said.
The visit means infinitely much
“The fact that the Crown Prince came to the mosque means a great deal. Representatives from the congregation expressed their feelings and it is clear that there is a lot of fear,” says Bærum’s mayor, Lisbeth Hammer Krog.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
