Help Village Rebuild After Devastating Earthquake

Aloha,

In the early morning of February 6th, while many lay asleep in their beds, massive twin earthquakes (7.6,7.8) rocked Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. Homes and apartment buildings across cities and villages were reduced to mere rubble in a matter of moments. In an instant, lives were categorically changed forever. To make matters worse, in the following days, the weather plummeted to abnormal 0° degree temperatures. People were forced to dig out their loved ones and seek shelter all on their own. Any signs of trusted authorities were far too late to offer help if it came at all. Two weeks later, strong twin quakes struck again. Thousands of aftershocks that continue to this moment add an unconscionable level of fear and trauma to a region of people who have already suffered dearly.

My name is Sarah and my family lives in these affected areas. I had a trip planned from Maui to Kurdistan to visit a Yezidi refugee camp on February 15th,2023. When the earthquakes struck on February 6th I knew my trip was going to look different than expected. After visiting the refugee camp I decided to travel across the Iraqi/Turkish border to see my family, check on their well-being, and assess the disastrous situation in our village. I was accompanied by two friends from Maui and two friends from Kurdistan. The evening before we were to leave, the region was hit yet again by two strong quakes (6.4 and 5.8). My uncle, whom we were planning to stay with, called me moments after fleeing from his home telling me “nowhere is safe anymore”. Buildings that had miraculously survived the first round of earthquakes were not so lucky this time. Despite the destruction, we felt an obligation to forge on and visit my village. Upon arrival, the damage was extensive and obvious. Make-shift tents had been set up next to crumbled ruins where their homes once stood. With no access to electricity or water and a municipality building that sits empty, the options are minimal. Even so, amongst the wreckage, the pain and the sorrow that harnesses the air, there is something else amidst, something that cannot be ignored. Smiling faces. There is a certain resiliency carved in hope that resides here. A unique glimpse of beauty amongst the concrete-laden heaps. A hope in which I plan to latch onto, so together we can rebuild and carry forward with heads held high. To be resolute, and to honor all our fallen brothers and sisters who will never be forgotten.

I humbly and graciously ask for your support in raising funds to help rebuild my family's village. With so many entities from the state to private organizations collecting money, it is difficult to ensure it reaches the people who truly need it. Sadly, we have already seen that most people have been left to fend for themselves. You can be assured that every dollar raised will be delivered by me and go directly toward rebuilding provisions and efforts for families suffering who have lost everything.

With Aloha and Deepest Gratitude,

Sarah Oner

Maui, HI