Hilde, Jørgen J, and Marte close to Jerusalem bomb

When a bomb went off by the main bus station in Jerusalem on Wednesday, a team of PRIO researchers – Hilde Henriksen Waage, Jørgen Jensehaugen and Marte Heian-Engdal – were very close. The three of them had been working at a nearby archive. They had just passed the spot where the bomb were to go off some 15 seconds later, stopping at red light, when they heard and felt the explosion behind them. One woman got killed, some 50 people got injured in the incident. Pinar contacted them, and I was able to talk to Hilde later that evening. They were naturally upset by what had happened, but seemed calm under the circumstances. The PRIO team has close contact with the Norwegian Representative Office in Ramallah.

There have been a handful of articles in various Norwegian media about the incident – in Aftenposten, Asker og Bærum Budstikke and Dagbladet – amongst others.

There are many of us at PRIO who travel regularly in conflict zones, we are aware of the risks, and we seek to take all possible precautions. Cathrine is in regular – often daily – contact with those who travel in conflict areas, which is key to PRIO’s ability to follow up and give concrete assistance. It is my ambition to be available by phone at all times, and nobody should hesitate about calling me when needed. Certainly, the closeness of our team to the Jerusalem bomb this week is a serious reminder of the risks. I am relieved that Hilde, Jørgen and Marte are well, and I look forward to talking to them when they are back in Oslo.