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In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that have left thousands dead in Turkey and Syria, international aid has been pouring in from governments, organisations and communities around the world. The United Nations is appealing for $1bn in aid for Turkey and nearly $400m for Syria, and grassroots efforts have also sprung up to fill the gap.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 91-year-old grandmother who is supported with daily lunches donated the equivalent of $5 to the recovery. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have provided 700 blankets to Turkey’s emergency administration (AFAD), while Ali Johar, a Rohingya human rights activist, tweeted that his mother had sold her “golden bangle that she saved for family emergency” to support Turkey. An Azerbaijani man, Sarvar Bashirli, made headlines for driving his dilapidated car across the country to collect aid. In Gaza, Palestinian charity the Islamic Center Charity Society has joined other groups in launching fundraising appeals for Turkey and Syria. In Uganda, students and teachers from the country’s Muslim minority have said they had raised about $10,000 for earthquake relief. And in drought-hit Somalia, the business community has reportedly pledged $3m in earthquake aid.
These inspiring stories of solidarity demonstrate how people from all walks of life have come together to help those affected by the earthquakes. From Bosnia and Herzegovina to Bangladesh, Azerbaijan to Gaza, Uganda to Somalia, people are donating what they can to show their support. The generosity of these individuals and communities is a testament to the power of collective action in times of crisis.