Letter of Condolences

2025-05-30 09:44:15 Written by  Ghere Tewelde, EPDP Chairman Published in English Articles Read 53 times

Swedish Old Friends of Eritrea at Festival 2019 12  I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bo Bjelfvenstam at the age of 101. His departure is a profound loss, not only to his family     and close friends, Christina Bjork and Prof. Tomas Bergstrom but also to those of us who were fortunate enough to witness his unwavering   support for the Eritrean people's struggle for independence.

  I first had the privilege of meeting Bo in 1977 in Stockholm. It was a moment that I will never forget. Bo kindly accompanied me to my first       public meeting, where we aimed to raise awareness among the Swedish masses about the ongoing struggle in Eritrea. His presence and support on that day were invaluable—both for me personally and for the cause we championed. It was clear from the outset that Bo's commitment to the Eritrean cause was not just professional, but deeply personal.

 Bo was a humble man with a great sense of humor, always thoughtful and reflective in his conversations. His kindness and generosity shone through, especially in his willingness to listen, learn, and help others. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the Eritrean people, and his support was not just limited to words; he was actively involved in tangible efforts to provide material support to the people in the liberated areas through Eritrea Gruppen, a solidarity group that he helped establish. This initiative played a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of much-needed aid to the Eritrean Liberation Front during some of its most challenging times.

Bo’s contribution to the Eritrean cause extended far beyond the meetings and the aid he helped mobilize. Through his book, Tre resor till Eritrea (Three Travels to Eritrea), he gave a voice to those who were fighting for their freedom, capturing the essence of the Eritrean struggle with compassion and clarity. His reflections, both personal and political, allowed readers to see the conflict through the eyes of those who were living it—resilient, courageous, and determined. His experiences, as documented in that book, will continue to resonate for generations to come, preserving a unique and important perspective on Eritrea's path to independence.

Bo's legacy is one of deep commitment, both to the Eritrean people and to the values of justice, freedom, and human dignity. He will be remembered fondly for his humble nature, his unwavering support, and his quiet yet powerful way of making a difference.

 My thoughts are with all who loved him, and with the Eritrean community who lost a true ally and friend. May his memory live on through the impact he made on so many lives.

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With deepest sympathy,

Ghere Tewelde, EPDP Chairman

Last modified on Friday, 30 May 2025 12:00