February 6, 2023
Dear Members of the Fordham Community,
News of the earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria early this morning has shocked and dismayed many of us. The magnitude 7.8 quake has taken over 3,500 lives as of this writing,* and destroyed infrastructure in a region already beset with war and a refugee crisis, to say nothing of the harsh winter weather. How may we respond to this humanitarian disaster?
*Sadly, as of Friday, February 10, more than 22,000 people in Turkey and Syria have lost their lives in the earthquake and its aftermath.
As a community of faith in action, Fordham has responded with great generosity to past crises around the world. I am writing to ask that we all do so again. This Sunday’s Gospel reminded us of our identity as “salt of the earth and light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-16). Let’s hold up the light of hope in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Turkey and Syria in their hour of darkness and unimaginable loss.
Below is a list of agencies accepting donations toward their rescue and relief efforts in the region. I ask that we all give what we can, and of course, please keep those afflicted by this tragedy in your prayers and in your hearts.
With gratitude for your generosity,
José Luis Salazar, S.J.
Executive Director of Campus Ministry
Doctors Without Borders: https://www.
Save the Children: https://www.
UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/
