Our Global Studies in the Arts of Humanities community wishes to express our deep sympathy and solidarity with the families affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. The earthquakes caused over 25,000 deaths so far and the toll could double. The disaster has caused immeasurable immediate hardships for the survivors.
To quote Fabrizio Carboni, Near and Middle East regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross: “In Syria, the earthquake adds a layer to the humanitarian tragedy that has been ongoing for 12 years.” And in response to the challenges getting aid to all Syrians in need, UN secretary-general, António Guterres told BBC Radio: “Our message is clear, it’s time to put all politics aside. Just focus on the men, women and children who desperately need help in Syria and in southern Turkey.” (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/11/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-likely-to-be-more-than-double-un-says)
For those who wish to contribute to the international relief efforts, Donations can be made to these organizations working in the affected areas: Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, UNHCR, Oxfam, MedGloba, and Welcome to SAMS (sams-usa.net)
