Deichman Holmlia opened a room in memory of Benjamin Hermansen

Benjamin’s room at Deichman Holmlia will open tomorrow. The room will house a separate book collection called “The Benjamin Collection,” which deals with topics such as anti-racism, representation and multiculturalism.

Benjamin’s room was renovated and furnished according to input from the local youth who were involved in the room’s design.

– We made this room because we want to honor Benjamin Hermansen. This should be a place where people – especially the region’s youth – should be able to find peace, enlightenment and reflection, he says. Nisreen Al-Barkouki School, Head of the Department Deichmann Holmlia.

Gathering and Conversation

Among other things, the room will house a separate book collection called the “Benjamin Collection”. The group primarily targets young people and addresses topics such as anti-racism, representation and multiculturalism.

“Benjamin’s room will be a space for conversations and activities related to anti-racism, inclusion and community participation,” says Barkoki.

Benjamin’s room should be a place where people can find peace, enlightenment, and reflection, says Nasreen Maktabi-Berkoki, department lead at Deichman Holmlia.

Photo: Eric Thalaug/Photofolk

The project is supported by the Benjamin Hermansen Memorial Fund. author Ann Beach He wrote the book “Brotherhood – A Story About the Murder of Benjamin Hermansen” and donates a share of the sales proceeds to activities in Benjamin’s room.

Benjamin Hermansen was only 15 years old when he was murdered in Hulmelia on January 26, 2001. The murder was racially motivated.

Never forget

During the opening, Nisreen Maktabi Berkoki leads a conversation between the cultural advisors Omar Samy Gamal and representatives of Benjamin Hermansen Memorial Fund and Youth Council in Søndre Nordstrand.

– I’m so glad we got a separate room for Benjamin here at Deichman Holmlia. It is important that we never forget him, and it is important that we never forget the racism that led to his death. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this happen over and over again, even though we promise each other a fight, says cultural consultant Omar Sami Jamal.

I hope that this hall will be a rallying point for the young people who will fight this battle in the future, and that it will give them the strength to feel that we are many standing with them.