Dozens of American Muslim relief, medical and religious organizations mobilize millions to help, U.S. imams urged to support aid efforts in Friday prayers
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/8/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged the American public and the Biden administration to increase support for the efforts of humanitarian aid organizations helping victims of the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria as the death tolls continues to rise.
CAIR also encouraged mosques nationwide to call on their congregations to support aid efforts during Friday congregational prayers (Jummah) this week.
Earlier today, CAIR joined dozens of community groups in a meeting with the Turkish ambassador to the United States to express condolences and learn how relief groups can provide continued assistance to those impacted.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Turkiye and northwestern Syria on Monday. As of today, the death toll has risen to 11,500.
SEE: L.A. Firefighters Deploy for Search and Rescue Mission in Turkey, Syria
Numerous aid organizations are providing support to victims on the ground in Turkiye and Syria. CAIR shared a list of such organizations published by the American Coalition for Syria.
Today, CAIR shared a list of supplies requested for donations by the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Turkish Embassy also published contact information of consulates nationwide for any aid-related inquiries.
SEE: American Coalition for Syria’s List of Aid Organizations
SEE: Turkish Embassy’s List of Requested Supplies
SEE: Contact Information of Turkish Consulates for Aid Inquiries
Other organizations currently requesting support in providing humanitarian aid to victims in Turkiye and Syria include:
Helping Hand for Relief and Development
United Hands for Relief and Development
United Mission for Relief & Development
Life for Relief and Development
Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
Email CAIR at info@cair.com to share the names of additional organizations that should be listed.
[NOTE: Do NOT send donations for earthquake victims to CAIR, which does not collect or distribute humanitarian aid]
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“The devastating earthquake that shook Turkiye and Syria left thousands dead and many thousands more in need. We urge all American Muslims and the broader public to increase their support for the heroes working to assist those affected by the earthquake through donations, volunteering, or any other means they can. We also urge imams across our nation to devote their Friday sermons to urging the community to stand with quake victims in Turkiye and Syria. We continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones. To God we belong, and to God we return.”
Awad also extended condolences to family members and loved ones of Burak Firik, a former board member of CAIR’s New York chapter, who died in the earthquake with members of his family.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com