IASA statement regarding relief for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria
The International American Studies Association was shocked and saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes that hit Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria on February 6, 2023. IASA thanks all its members who have already contributed to aid and recovery efforts in any way, and is asking all it members and friends to do what they can to help with the relief and rebuilding.
The destruction of the earthquakes and the difficulties of recovery, relief and rebuilding are compounded by a number of factors, many of which are within the power of various entities to address. It is profoundly important not only for us to keep up assisting with aid, but also with expertise; for national governments to commit their best resources to these efforts; and for transnational, regional and local groups with political and military power to provide access and assistance for aid and rebuilding in the long term. While the death toll is already staggering, we share the calling to prevent further loss of life and care for those displaced and traumatized. At this time of burning human need and suffering, we must set aside political struggles and military conflict to respond with the best of our selves. IASA calls on to those with power to step up to help and respect the efforts of those who are from the other side but likewise trying to mitigate the suffering.
Just one of the many texts we as academics use is John Donne’s Meditation XVII, originally written in 1624, but made famous by the title of Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel.
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
As the fallout of the earthquakes continue, please consider it your special challenge to find ways to help those impacted by the tragedy – including in our own fields in academia. Sometimes all it takes for you is to ask your institution and then publicize the hardship funds or relief fundraising that are already available.
Below please find a list of agencies and organizations working on relief and rebuilding efforts. Kindly help them according to your abilities.
1. ASSOCIATION FOR SUPPORTING CONTEMPORARY LIFE (a reputable non-gov. organization providing elementary, high school, and university scholarships to those in need)
https://www.cydd.org.tr/pages/international-donations-148/
2. AHBAP (a reputable, non-gov. organization)
https://ahbap.org/disasters-turkey
3. DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org
4. UNICEF
https://bagis.unicefturk.org/turkiye_earthquake
5. ETAC – USA (a non-profit organization collecting funds for earthquake victims)