Earthquake relief sought in fundraiser

Turkish and Syrian flags

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Eastern Connecticut State University is raising money to benefit earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria “as their world has been flipped upside down in a matter of seconds,” said Nabila Alqadumi, MSA vice president.

“It is heartbreaking to see the wreckage and pain of Turks and Syrians but also inspiring to see how they have persevered during this difficult time,” she said.

Donations will go to Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit organization on the ground in Turkiye and Syria that is providing shelter, medical supplies, food, water and hygiene kits to victims of the Feb. 6 earthquake, magnitude 7.8, and a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 20. More than 50,000 people were killed by the quakes in southern Turkiye and northwestern Syria, and the U.N. has estimated that the damage exceeds $100 billion. More than 1.5 million people are living in tents or temporary housing.

“It is important to keep reminding people that just because it is not in the news as much, we need to help the people of Turkiye and Syria the best way that we can,” Alqadumi said.

The MSA will collect money through March 10. Money may be donated through Instagram (@msaeastern), or through the University’s donation website.

Written by Lucinda Weiss

Categories: Student Activities, Community Engagement