The earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria on the 6th of February has taken tens of thousands of human lives while impacting millions more.
Here are our top pick of inspirational words from everyday leaders:
“It’s not 22,000 people dead. It’s 22,000 human beings with dreams, hopes, and aspirations gone in a matter of seconds. It’s 22,000 human beings who, despite hardships, were planning for their weddings, outings with friends, playdates, and school projects… It’s 22,000 mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, uncles, aunts, grandparents who were looking forward to celebrating birthdays, new siblings, and small and big life wins. It’s 22,000 real human beings who left behind loved ones in a matter of seconds. You could’ve been one of those 22,000 – or the ones who are still living in this nightmare. Let that sink in.”
“My beloved country is going through an indescribable pain and suffering. The scale of human tragedy, destruction, devastation and feeling of helplessness is paramount.”
“They all had dreams and aspirations for their futures, who all felt joy and fear, laughed and cried, supported football teams, listened to music, had homework to do, enjoyed cooking, watching TV, celebrating birthdays and spending time with their families. Let’s keep humanizing every one of these people as if they were our own family. When some of us are hurting, all of us are hurting. We are all connected. All human. Let’s continue to do what we can with the resources we have.”
by Jaz O’Hara
“We can make a difference. From donating as much as possible to spreading awareness, every action counts. Let’s come together to support Turkey in this time of need.”
“Yes some of the aid might be stolen, yes there is evil and greed in this world. But accepting that and doing nothing about it serves no one. Let us be role models for our children and show them what it truly means to be a compassionate citizen of this world.”
“There are people who do not donate because they assume everyone else is. Please do not be that person.”
When faced with the news, remember:
When we come together, there is nothing we can’t solve.
Resources on donating:
AKUT Search and Rescue Association: an entirely voluntary, non-governmental organization involved in searching, assisting and rescuing all who require aid within its authority and means.
AHBAP Foundation: A Turkish non-governmental organization aiming at providing financial and social aid to those in need, increasing and strengthening cooperation in communities and society.
AFAD crisis management: offering immediate assistance and rescue efforts during emergency situations in Turkey.
The United Nations Refugee Agency: the UN is providing on-the-ground assistance in affected areas of Turkey and Syria, and supplying necessary emergency items.
Save The Children: an international NGO, aiming at responding and caring for children in times of crisis.
Project HOPE: An international global health and humanitarian aid NGO working in areas such as disasters, health crises, infectious diseases, and health policies.
CARE: an international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and world hunger by working alongside women and girls.
OXFAM International: confederation of 21 independent charitable organizations focusing on the alleviation of global poverty, on-the-ground.
Turkish Red Crescent: distributing food through mobile kitchens in the region. They are also sending tents, blankets, and beds.
