Reaching out through heartbreak and loss

Dear Rowan University Community,

Even if we understand the science of natural disasters, there is no consolation for the immense loss of life due to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on Monday. Reports from the region continue to reveal the enormity of this tragedy, both the staggering death toll—22,000 so far—and tiny glimpses of hope as rescuers found another survivor in the rubble earlier today. 

Though we are thousands of miles away, the people of Turkey and Syria are our neighbors. Many have suffered immeasurably through war and other crises in recent years. This disaster adds unspeakable burdens to already struggling families, individuals and communities. We know at least two of our own students have loved ones there. No doubt, other students and employees have personal connections in that part of the world, as well.  

I write to encourage everyone to join those providing relief as much as we are able. Rowan’s own student and professional organizations are leading the effort here on campus with many opportunities to contribute. Our Rowan Muslim Student Association is collecting donations through the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion & Conflict Resolution in Hawthorn Hall. More information can be found on the club’s Instagram page: @RowanMSA.

Our Rowan-Virtua SOM Chapter of Physicians for Human Rights also is collecting relief supplies and donations. There likely will be others who join in this effort as well.

Please also consider other ways to help bring relief:

• The Turkish American Community Southern New Jersey is accepting donations through the Hamidiye Mosque.
• Embrace Relief: Delivers humanitarian aid to disasters and to those in need locally and internationally.
• Syrian American Medical Society Foundation: Global medical relief and assisting those impacted in Syria. 
• UNICEF: The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is on the ground responding to families and children in Syria and Turkey. 
• OXFAM: The international organization fighting poverty is working with women’s cooperatives in Turkey to determine an appropriate immediate and long-term response plan. 
• Doctors Without Borders: The nonprofit, which provides care, medical supplies and support for local hospitals experiencing emergencies around the world, is collecting donations.
• The Union of Medical Relief and Care Organizations: Since 2012, the organization has provided medical relief and health care services inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey. It is collecting monetary donations for the response in northwest Syria.

We speak often of our commitment to understand our world and make a difference in it. Amid overwhelming despair in Turkey and Syria, we in the Rowan University community can help bring hope and relief when suffering people need it desperately. 

Please join me to respond with compassion and generosity. 

Very truly yours,

Ali A. Houshmand
President