Indian-Americans extend a helping hand to Turkey-Syria earthquake victims, raise $300,000

Turkey–Syria earthquake 2023: On February 6, there was a powerful earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The death toll in both countries has crossed 50,000.

Thousands of people were injured in this devastation. So far, 1,60,000 buildings, including about 5,20,000 apartments, have collapsed in Turkey and Syria in the horrific earthquake. This devastating earthquake caused massive loss of life and property in both countries.

Indian American extended a helping hand

After the devastating earthquake, help is pouring in from many places for both countries. India has also provided humanitarian aid to both countries under Operation Dost. Because of this, now Indian-Americans from all over America have collected financial assistance of more than three lakh dollars for the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria.

Led by Dr. Hemant Patel, former president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), a community of eminent Indian Americans has raised over $300,000 in financial aid.

Thanks to the Indian American community

Turkey's ambassador to the US Murat Merkan and Turkey's Consul General in New York, Rehan ZG R, also participated in the New Jersey relief fundraiser. He thanked the Indian American community for helping the earthquake-affected people. Patel, a recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour, told the news agency PTI that the Turkish Ambassador and the Consul General of Turkey have appreciated the Indian community for the people of Turkey.

The event in support of earthquake victims

The AmeriCorps team at Service International Houston recently organized a charity drive in support of the victims of the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. People from various communities throughout Houston came together to donate hundreds of items including food, clothing, winter coats, hygiene items, outdoor supplies, tents, hand warmers, shoes, and children's necessities.

The BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey organized a special prayer meeting this week for those affected by the humanitarian crisis. Community members at BAPS offered support for the people of Turkey through prayer and a generous donation of US$25,000 to the Embrace Relief Foundation through its humanitarian relief arm, BAPS Charities.

Also Read: Turkiye Earthquake: Earthquake tremors again in Turkey, a magnitude 5.5 on the Richter scale