Zakat Foundation of America in Bridgeview sends supplies to Turkey and Syria earthquake victims

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Saturday, March 4, 2023 12:21 AM

BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (WLS) — Staff and volunteers at Zakat Foundation of America in Bridgeview have sorted and prepared a shipment of donations for use by earthquake survivors in Syria and Turkey.

The founder of the organization is Turkish, born in the earthquake-affected area. He was also there a few days after the earthquake.

“Those 45 seconds shook the lives of millions of people,” said Halil Demir. “We have to stand with these people however we can.”

The World Bank said on Friday that Syria suffered losses estimated at $5.1 billion in the devastating earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and northern parts of the war-torn country last month.

The United Nations said the earthquake killed at least 50,000 people, including about 6,000 in Syria. Tens of thousands are still missing and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

In a report released on Friday, the World Bank said the level of damage in Syria is about 10% of the country’s gross domestic product.

A zakat worker in Turkey shared a video of families moving into tents donated by the organisation, which has helped create a tent city with a long list of those waiting for shelter. Some people refused to leave their neighborhoods, waiting for the remains of their loved ones.

“People sleep outside even if we have a tent village. They are waiting outside their houses,” Demir said sadly.

Volunteers and staff packed more tents for shipment on Friday. Organization shipments to the region are usually on the ground within 24 hours.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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