The Devastation of a Sanctuary: Roger Akelius’s Gaza Orphanage Destroyed
Swedish real estate magnate, Roger Akelius, was met with devastating news on Tuesday: the orphanage he generously funded in Gaza with 100 million SEK in 2014 had been completely destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. The 78-year-old philanthropist expressed his profound grief and devastation to Aftonbladet, sharing that he wept for hours upon receiving the news. The orphanage, built under the auspices of SOS Children’s Villages, represented a beacon of hope for children orphaned by the relentless conflict in Gaza. Akelius’s act of philanthropy was born out of compassion for the plight of children caught in the crossfire, having witnessed the devastating impact of the 2014 conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups. Now, his philanthropic endeavor lies in ruins, a stark symbol of the cyclical nature of violence and its devastating impact on the most vulnerable.
Petra Nyberg, program director at SOS Children’s Villages, confirmed the destruction of the orphanage. She recounted the organization’s efforts to protect the children by evacuating them twice, first in March of the previous year and again in May as fighting intensified. Until the recent ceasefire, access to the site remained impossible, leaving them hopeful, yet uncertain about its fate. The return revealed the heartbreaking reality: nothing remained. Nyberg expressed the organization’s collective sorrow, shock, and a sense of hopelessness at the scale of the destruction. The arduous task of rebuilding and providing a new sense of normalcy for the displaced children now lies ahead. The immediate focus is on providing essential necessities for all those who have lost their homes.
The fate of the orphanage remains uncertain. While the immediate need is to provide for the displaced children, the long-term goal of rebuilding a permanent home for them is paramount. The devastation underscores the precarious nature of life in Gaza, where conflict repeatedly shatters lives and infrastructure. The children, already bearing the emotional scars of losing their families, are now faced with further displacement and uncertainty. Living in temporary shelters is not a sustainable solution, and the need for a stable, nurturing environment is crucial for their well-being. The destruction of the orphanage represents not only a loss of physical structure but also a disruption of the crucial support system it provided.
Akelius, moved by the tragic circumstances of children orphaned in the 2014 conflict, felt compelled to act. He recognized the deep trauma inflicted upon young children who had lost their parents and were left without a supportive adult figure. His donation in 2014 was a testament to his commitment to providing these vulnerable children with a safe and nurturing environment. Witnessing the destruction of this sanctuary has renewed his resolve to continue supporting the children of Gaza.
The current conflict, which has claimed over 46,000 lives and ravaged Gaza’s infrastructure, serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. While fortunately no children were injured in the attack on the orphanage, the psychological and emotional toll of the conflict cannot be underestimated. The repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and loss creates deep-seated trauma that can have long-lasting consequences. Akelius, undeterred by the destruction, has pledged to rebuild and provide further support, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the children of Gaza. He acknowledges the risk of future attacks but remains steadfast in his belief that every child deserves a chance at a better life, even amidst the ongoing conflict.
The destruction of the orphanage underscores the urgent need for a lasting peace in the region. The children of Gaza deserve to grow up in a safe and stable environment, free from the constant threat of violence and displacement. While humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts are crucial, addressing the root causes of the conflict is paramount. Akelius’s unwavering commitment to the children of Gaza serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of human compassion and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. His pledge to continue supporting these children, even amidst the ongoing conflict, underscores the persistent need for hope and action in a region scarred by protracted violence. SOS Children’s Villages, along with individuals like Akelius, remain dedicated to providing support and working towards a future where children in Gaza can live in peace and security.
