Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: How can you help?
Feb 07 2023
3 minutes
Total destruction. Two words that resonate after the heavy earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The death toll has already risen to over 40.000, but the United Nations (UN) fears that the number could double. Thousands of people have also been injured. And the survivors are left behind in ruins. Our partner and member organisations have already taken action. How can you help?
Support Basmeh & Zeitooneh's crowdfunding campaign
Basmeh & Zeitooneh ("A Smile and Olives") was founded in 2012 and helps Syrians who are fleeing the war in their country, or have been unjustly persecuted there. Through emergency aid, the organization provides the refugees with basic facilities. But Basmeh & Zeitooneh goes even further. The organization helps Syrians to take an active role in the community. To this end, it organizes education, sets up cultural activities and offers vocational training.
Basmeh & Zeitooneh has an office in Gaziantep, Turkey, a city close to the epicenter of the earthquake. Although the staff and their families themselves found themselves on the streets after the earthquakes, they did not sit back and wait. They did not wait for international aid, but immediately took action themselves to provide the first humanitarian needs to people.
They put a crowdfunding campaign on its feet, which has raised more than $24 in less than 100.000 hours. But that is not enough. According to the teams working in the disaster area, the main needs are blankets, mattresses, food parcels and heating materials. They are also setting up shelters to bring people to safety. They will also support local actors with rescue operations and debris removal.
Your support will help Basmeh & Zeitooneh provide emergency aid to the most vulnerable people, especially in northwest Syria.
(If you deposit for Basmeh & Zeitooneh, it will be in the name of 'Smile & Olive Foundation', which is the English translation of their name. By using English, Basmeh and Zeitooneh are better able to raise funds internationally. You cannot enjoy a tax reduction for donations to associations or institutions established outside the European Economic Area)
Make a donation to Sawa for Development and Aid
Sawa originated in 2011, at the outbreak of the Syrian war, as a spontaneous response to the arrival of the first 40 Syrian families fleeing to northern Lebanon. The initiative grew further and now unites both local and international activists. They give Syrian people fleeing in Lebanon new hope and a liveable future. Important spearheads are the provision of education and shelter.
The infrastructure in northwestern Syria was already severely weakened by the war. The earthquake has now made the situation untenable. In addition, international aid in Syria is barely getting started. That is why Sawa immediately took action to help the population in the aftermath of this terrible disaster.
Your support ensures that Sawa can provide winter clothing, food parcels, blankets, medical equipment, etc.
(You cannot benefit from a tax reduction for donations to associations or institutions established outside the European Economic Area)
Make a donation to the 12-12 emergency fund
The Consortium 12-12 groups seven major Belgian organisations, including three members of 11.11.11, to raise urgent and necessary financial resources for humanitarian disasters, in this case for the earthquake in Turkey and north-west Syria.
You can support the 12-12 emergency fund via this link link.
A donation of a minimum amount of 40 euros will entitle you to a tax certificate next year, in 2024.
Make your voice heard online
With Twitter you can jump on the bandwagon to also encourage policymakers to take action. International solidarity could save countless lives in the coming hours, days and weeks. Swift & strong action is needed now.
