The Swedish Jerusalem Society was founded in 1900 by Bishop Knut Henning Gezelius von Scheele of Visby. Since its inception, the society’s mission has been to “promote the care, upbringing, or education of children and youth in a Christian spirit, and to support the care of the elderly, sick, or disabled in the Holy Land” (from the society’s bylaws).
The society still owns the hospital building originally established by Dr. Ribbing, which is now leased to the Palestinian Health Authority. Additionally, the Good Shepherd Swedish School, located next to the hospital, serves around 350 students from preschool to high school, with over half of its funding raised in Sweden.
The Swedish Jerusalem Society is an independent non-profit closely aligned with the Church of Sweden, reflected in the fact that a bishop has always served as its chair and the church appoints a representative to the board. The society also publishes a quarterly magazine, which has been in circulation since 1901.
For more information:
jerusalemsforeningen.se
