"We are all saddened"

Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of Iceland, says that the roots of the problem must be tackled due to the sad events that have taken place in society recently.

In a post on her Facebook page, Halla comments on the death of Bryndís Klara Birgisdóttir, who died of her injuries after a stabbing attack on Culture Night.

Article on Iceland Monitor

"We are all shocked"

"We are all saddened by the horrifically sad events that have taken place in our community and are unbearable and sickening. We must attack the root of the problem - together! Each one of us has a role to play. I have had a number of meetings and conversations in recent weeks about the necessary improvements in the system – and luckily there are many on the table," Tómasdóttir writes in her post.

System changes are not enough

Tómasdóttir says that system changes are not enough. We need to work together to make love the weapon in society.

"This is the wake up call and the wish of Bryndís Klara's parents, and a memorial fund has been established for that, for which I am the guardian. I am asking you today to contribute what you can:

1. Take care of yourself and your children. Quiet time in Lindakirkja Church today is a good place for such a thing, and so is the dinner table at home. Let's be together and talk to each other (and not just through screens and social media, although I reluctantly use this one to plead with you).
2. Look for ways to be "knights of love" yourself - choose your words well - speak humanely and respectfully to and about others. Reach out where you know it's needed.
3. Contribute whatever you can to Bryndís Klara's memorial fund. The fund will support education, research and awareness raising to prevent such tragedies from happening again!!!!