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John, with more than 6,000 lives taken, and thousands more in dire need of humanitarian assistance, the situation at the Turkish–Syrian border is heartbreaking — children, mothers and fathers, entire families and their livelihoods, irrevocably changed forever. I am sure you have seen the images and read the stories: they are shattering.
As we mourn those we have lost, we are doing everything within our power to support those who have survived this immeasurable tragedy. IRC has had a long term operation in North West Syria, run out of Gaziantep in Türkiye (aka Turkey), so we are on the ground now. I wanted you to hear directly from me that we are officially launching our response to this devastating emergency.
John, this is a massive emergency at the highest scale.
After two back–to–back earthquakes struck the Turkish–Syrian border (the first of which being one of the strongest to hit the region in over 100 years), those affected faced freezing temperatures from a blizzard the night before. People are left without shelter in blisteringly cold conditions with no way to keep warm.
Despite this immeasurable tragedy, I'm here to say that the IRC just launched an urgent, integrated response to affected populations in both countries. This will include provision of immediate cash, basic items such as household kits, dignity kits for women and girls, hygiene supplies and emergency shelters. Will you rush an emergency gift to support our efforts?
As I write this, our teams are working tirelessly in harsh conditions to do everything they can to provide lifesaving support.
We have more than 1,000 staff inside Syria who work tirelessly to provide life–saving health care, protection and early recovery support. We are also working with local partners who will support essential health services in earthquake affected areas, and set up safe spaces for women and children.
As we're rapidly ramping up our response, we cannot afford to waste any time. John, can you rush an emergency gift to help families in need in Syria, Turkey, and crisis zones worldwide?
A tragedy like this will only increase the quantity and severity of needs on the ground in Syria, where people have already been facing a worsening humanitarian crisis. This is one of those moments where I know I can depend on the IRC community, including supporters like you, to show up in solidarity.
Please rush an emergency gift right now so we can help families in need in Syria and Turkey, while we continue our uninterrupted support to crisis zones worldwide.
I can't thank you enough for helping us meet this moment. Please take care.
David Miliband
President and CEO
International Rescue Committee |
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