Swedish man completes 5,000 km pilgrimage to Israel
Nilsson Jorgen arrives in Jerusalem through the Yaffo gate after walking 6 months from Sweden to promote world peace.
By JPOST.COM STAFFNilsson Jorgen 370(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Nilsson Jorgen, a 39-year-old from Hassleholm, Sweden, completed an epic six-month trek by foot from his native Sweden to the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday, which he entered through the Yaffo gate.Jorgen, who identifies himself with the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus in Jerusalem, undertook the pilgrimage in an attempt to promote world peace, and coincided his arrival to participate in the First International Jerusalem Symposium on Green and Accessible Pilgrimage which will take place on Monday as part of the global Earth Day.In a press release, Jorgen explained his reasons for undertaking the walk, "the ancient and holy city has always been a focal point of both conflict and peace." He continued, "it is a symbol for the efforts needed to obtain a more peaceful world."Jorgen's trip ranged over 5,000 kilometers taking him on foot through Denamrk, Germany, France, Italy and Greece. After arriving in Haifa, he walked down the coast through Netanya, Raanana and Tel Aviv before cutting inland towards Jerusalem. At the end of his long journey, he was joined by his partner Rebecca for the final walk through Jerusalem.Along the way he said he "met wonderful and generous people and hopefully encouraged others to continue talking about the issues of Xenophobia and peace."Jorgen, who worked as a civil engineer before deciding to make the pilgrimage, has a connection with the St. Lazarus Order, a group who charge themselves with the charitable goals of "protecting and assisting the weak, helping the poor, aged, handicapped and sick."When asked about his arrival in Jerusalem Jorgen said, "I hope Jerusalem will be a place for me to rest properly after this long walk and I will spend my time there contemplating and praying."Jorgen is schedule to be the guest of honor at the Cool Globes exhibit at Mamila which will take place Sunday evening.
