In Support of Those Affected by Devastating Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Along with all of you, I am deeply distressed by the devastating earthquakes across Turkey and Syria that have led to the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of entire neighborhoods and communities. Many members of our Drexel community have family in these countries as well as in Lebanon and Israel, where the effects of the earthquake and its powerful aftershocks have been felt.

This is an incredibly difficult time for those affected by this tragedy, and I would like to remind anyone who needs counseling or emotional support to turn to Drexel’s available resources. Students can email counsel@drexel.edu to schedule an appointment with a counselor; faculty, professional staff and graduate students can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling 1.888.881.5462. Anyone seeking pastoral counseling or care is encouraged to visit our Spiritual and Religious Life site.

In keeping with Drexel’s culture of caring, service and philanthropy, I want to share information for those who wish to make a donation to help those directly impacted by this tragedy. There are several outstanding organizations that are already on the ground in Turkey and Syria to aid rescue and recovery efforts, to provide humanitarian support for medicine, food, water, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, and to help unaccompanied children find their families.

The list of organizations below, with direct links to requests for donations, is taken from the New York Times. In addition, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), is the leading U.S. community foundation established in 2007 for high social and humanitarian impact dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. 

• United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, better known as UNICEF
• Global Giving
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• OXFAM
• CARE
• Doctors Without Borders
• Syrian American Medical Society
• Save the Children
• Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations

We are at our best as a community when we stand ready to help each other, and all those in need. Please keep the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President