Updates on the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

The Church of the Good Shepherd responded very quickly and generously, to calls for help when then the earthquake struck Syria and Turkey, back in February. The PCC decided to send the donation to the charity - Embrace the Middle East – as they have partners on the ground. Through Embrace help could be targeted within Syria, where there was not easy access for other international aid initiatives.

Help continues to be distributed in the Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia, and Tartous governorates. Ongoing support will be needed in Syria for the foreseeable future

A priest from Lattaka reported to Embrace

In Aleppo churches, halls, schools and monasteries provided 21 emergency shelters hosting over 10,000 people of all backgrounds and religions.

The priest writes:

On behalf of my church, I convey heartful thanks and sincere gratitude to all partners for their rapid response to our people’s needs after the catastrophic earthquake that hit our country on 6th February 2023. The aid given from you reflected your deep concern about us and was received with gratitude by our suffering people amid these difficult circumstances.
”You are not alone": This was the message joyfully received by every beneficiary. One of them said, "This aid comes at the right time with its materials that meet our physical needs and with its sentimental value that meets our psychological needs."
We really appreciate your solidarity and convey our people's thanks to you and all donors.

Partnerships in Northern Syria

The Middle Eastern Community of Churches is one of Embrace’s partners that was involved in getting vital supplies to people sheltering in various schools and churches in Northern Syria.

Some of the families at one shelter in Sulaymaniyah shared their stories:

“We can't take any new grief! Doesn't the hardship of these days have an end? I can't forget the terrifying moments when the earthquake hit. I don't know how I managed to take my two children in my arms and run with my wife into the street. 10 days since the earthquake, my kids are still today afraid to sleep, cry when they are in a closed room and think that the ceiling will collapse and fall on us.
The health and food kits that the Middle East Council of Churches provided us with can support us for a good period of time. The food basket includes varieties of nutritious food items. The health kits also include useful materials. The shelter we went to is not equipped, even tissue papers, soap and sanitisers are not available.
We still need more assistance, especially a financial subsidy to rent a house. We can’t stay in the shelter, as it is a school including wooden chairs and one bathroom, and a big number of families have taken refuge in it.”

More stories from the earthquake zone

A 50-year-old woman said:

“I lost my home and all my memories... I lost everything. The walls that fell down carried the last remaining memories of my son, who died as a martyr in the war. My neighbours and I took refuge in a shelter which is not equipped and we still need many things. The Middle East Council of Churches provided us with a health kit and a food kit, and this is what I need now because I no longer have money to buy food. I lost all my money under the rubble. I do not know how we will be able to live in a house away from shelters. I am a widow and I have no breadwinner except my brother, whose house also was destroyed. If we could rent a house to live in, we will still need essential household necessities such as kitchen materials and others.”

One father, who was in the shelter with his wife and children, shared:

“On the 6th of February, we woke up to a very powerful earthquake; we rushed to the street in our pyjamas, and the first place we took refuge in was the public garden, then we came to the shelter. Amidst the tragedy we live due to the war, the earthquake was a fatal blow… I am a worker and I only get paid for the days I work. Since the earthquake struck, I have not been able to work. So, I really appreciate what MECC provided me with: the food basket includes nutritious and needed food materials for my children; and the health kit is also useful and includes the needed soap, shampoo and sanitizers, as a big number of families reside in this unequipped shelter.”

Before the earthquake struck, Syria was already struggling after more than a decade-old civil war, international sanctions, a broken economy and a population traumatised. Syria is, therefore, a challenging place to operate. So clearly the crisis is by no means over, with many unable to return to their homes or employment. Embrace needs continued support so it can continue to provide essential food and hygiene assistance.