Reflecting the Kindness of International SAR Volunteers in the Turkey Earthquake

March 29, 2023

Dear Initiators, the loss of 6,497 International SAR volunteers during the Turkish earthquake was a stark reminder of how the forces of good can unite. In the month of Ramadan, can we reflect on the kindness demonstrated by these humanitarian fighters?

The earthquake that devastated Turkey on February 6, 2023, is still imprinted in my memory. The disaster deeply impacted humanity. The Turkish government issued an International Call for Humanity on the first day of the disaster, and SAR volunteers from various countries witnessed tens of thousands of deaths and over a million houses reduced to rubble.

Among the thousands of volunteer teams that came to Turkey, there was one Human Initiative volunteer who witnessed the power of this goodness. His name is Susilo, a journalist working in London, England.

Becoming a Witness of Humanity Call in the Land of Turkey

Becoming a Witness of Humanity Call in the Land of Turkey

During his time distributing humanitarian aid with the Human Initiative, Susilo encountered international volunteers who were tasked with rescuing Turkish citizens trapped under collapsed buildings and recovering bodies.

“Many of these volunteers flew to Turkey at their own expense. They include businessmen, engineers, and fishermen who have taken leave to carry out humanitarian work,” said Susilo.

According to his story, there was a volunteer who supplied aircraft spare parts. There was also an entrepreneur in the field of technology, as well as one who owns dozens of fishing vessels.

It’s clear from the story that these volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to making a difference in the world.

In addition, the Public Kitchens were also filled with the generosity of the global community. Kazakh volunteers were on hand to serve warm food to the survivors of the disaster during the harsh Turkish winter.

“It was an emergency situation, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius. Serving warm mutton soup mixed with hot rice helped ease the burden on the survivors,” explained Susilo.

The Great Role Played by the Volunteers

Susilo recounted that the residential areas he visited in Antakya, Hatay Province, and Kahramanmaras Province were unrecognizable. He saw piles of rubble mixed with household furniture, damaged apartments, and buildings that were tilted and partially destroyed. This was his first experience directly assisting disaster victims, and he found it to be a very memorable experience in Turkey. From this experience, he gained a deep understanding of the great services and sacrifices of volunteers.

“When disasters strike, there are always people ready to help who come from various countries and try to alleviate the suffering of others. We must thank them,” Susilo concluded.

Dear Initiators, volunteering, and sincerity have no time limit because every moment is an opportunity for kindness. During this Ramadhan, let us continue to pray for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey so that they can practice Ramadhan with an open heart. Likewise, let us reflect on the sincerity of international volunteers, who can inspire us during this holy month.

Because #RamadhanForAll, let us together with the Human Initiative do good deeds through Solusipeduli.org.