Solidarity with Earthquake Victims in Turkey and Syria

To Dear Members of German University Rectorates,As you know, two major catastrophic earthquakes of magnitude 7,7, and 7.8 struck Turkey and Syria, including its northern and northeastern regions on February 6, 2023. It has been 5 days since the devastating earthquakes hit the region and the total death toll has been announced to be over 20,000 people in both countries combined.

After the earthquake, Turkey called for international help and offers of help, and on the same day, World Health Organization (WHO) announced the natural disaster experienced in the region as a 3rd-Degree Emergency State. Many countries, including Germany, have responded to the worldwide call immediately and joined the search and rescue teams.In addition to professional help, the earthquake victims are in urgent need of shelter, food, and basic necessities in order to survive during the harsh winter conditions of the region.

We would like to be informed regarding our university's plan within the existing donation organizations in Germany. In addition to that, as volunteering students, we would like to start working on a long-term helpdesk project for fundraising on campus. We are not familiar with the bureaucratic process and the permissions we need to take to be able to do so. While Ahbap and AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) have been leading the response by raising funds in particular for Turkey, Rotes Kreuz, and other NGOs have been raising funds both for Turkey and Syria. The donations will be directed to these organizations' fundraising projects. We find it absolutely crucial and necessary for this university to start a financial aid campaign both for molding public opinion and for creating an environment of solidarity with the international students’ associations.

We are hoping to hear positive responses from you as soon as possible. Thanks in advance for your understanding, concern, and support.Kindest Regards.