The Feb. 6 earthquake that killed some 20,000 Turkish and Syrian people and left many more homeless has exacerbated problems in those countries.
Locally, financial donations are being coordinated by the Turkish Embassy in D.C. The Embassy recommends donations be sent through the websites of Turkish Philanthropy Funds or the Bridge to Turkiye Fund.
The American Turkish Association of Washington D.C. in Gaithersburg recommends using the Turkish Philanthropy Funds site. Proceeds will benefit local NGS helping in recovery efforts.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington also is accepting donations.
“As a Jewish community, it is our sacred obligation to respond,” said The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss.
According to Timur Edib, secretary of the Maryland American Turkish Association and an attorney in Rockville, there are about 15,000 people from Turkey residing in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore general area.
Besides money, insulin, diapers, tents and childcare items are needed, Edib said. The Embassy also is coordinating these donations.
Edib does not have relatives or family from the area hardest hit by the earthquake. Still, he said, “It’s scary. It’s really hard to believe.”
