Through Save the Syrian Children, the Stephen Wise Temple and Schools community can help those suffering in the wake of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the Syrian-Turkish border this week.
Seven years ago, Wise members Tamar and Philip Koosed founded Save the Syrian Children to help the helpless, delivering life-saving medical supplies for children and innocent civilians bombarded by the Assad regime. Over the years, Wise has helped fill shipping containers with supplies, clothing, and children’s toys to help in their efforts.
The quake this week hit hardest in northwest Syria, an area serviced by Save the Syrian Children.
“In the hospitals we support, bodies are piling up,” Philip wrote. “The death toll is already in the thousands and rapidly rising. The numbers will be more devastating when the sun rises. As we communicate with our team of doctors, they are describing horrifying scenes in overwhelmed hospitals.”
Many of the roads into northern Syria have been destroyed. Supplies are dwindling since already-scarce resources are being allocated to victims of the catastrophe. Given the organization’s history in the region, it has deep knowledge of the affected area and strong connections on the ground, and thus its network and supply chain remain intact.
Save the Syrian Children is sending several emergency aid shipments to the hospitals it supports all across Idlib. You can help Syrian families in need by donating now to the Emergency Earthquake Relief Effort to help save as many children and families as possible, and to support those who escaped the horrifying tragedy.
Other Ways to Help
IsraAID Emergency Response Team
In the wake of the earthquake, IsraAID’s team will distribute vital relief and winter items in Turkey, while conducting a comprehensive assessment of broader emergency needs. With freezing temperatures, people across the affected area are left doubly vulnerable, both to the impact of the earthquake and the harsh winter weather. The initial team will include experts in water, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and protection, and emergency logistics.
Jewish Federations of North America Launch Relief Fund
In response to the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria early Monday, Jewish Federations of North America have launched an earthquake relief fund to provide humanitarian aid and to support recovery efforts.