Message of Support During the Crisis in Turkey and Syria
How You Can Help
Consider supporting reputable international organizations providing humanitarian aid and emergency relief within Turkey and Syria. Here is a starting point—as with all charitable giving, use caution.
AHBAP: Turkish civic association that provides aid to those in need, including cash transfers and in-kind support.
Basmeh & Zeitooneh: A relief and development organization that works with Syrian refugees has set up an earthquake disaster response fund.
Bridge to Turkiye: The BTF Relief Fund distributes 100% of funds collected through AHBAP and other local partners.
Project HOPE: Teams in Turkey and Syria deliver medicines and supplies, and other urgently needed relief.
Public Good and CNN: Donations will be distributed to organizations supporting earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Syrian American Medical Society: Nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides urgent medical care in Syria.
Turkey Earthquake Fund: GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Research Institute On Turkey and was co-initiated by Einaudi's Esra Akcan.
Turkish Philanthropy Funds: TPF's Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund uses 100% of donations for food and emergency medical supplies.
White Helmets: Syrian humanitarian volunteer organization that assists in search and rescue missions.
Campus News and Events
- Campus Rallies to Support Syria, Turkey Earthquake Survivors (Cornell Chronicle, Feb. 16)
- Several campus events have been held to support Cornell's Turkish and Syrian communities and to raise relief funds. Read about recent events.
This message was sent to Cornell students who are from Turkey and Syria.
Dear students,
We are following the news out of Turkey and Syria about the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes there. As a student who has named Turkey or Syria as your country of citizenship, the news must be impacting you greatly. Please know that you, your families, and friends are in our thoughts during this crisis, and we along with our teams are available to offer support.
We want to take this opportunity to offer information about support and other resources that are available to you here on campus. Cornell Health offers resources to help undergraduates and graduate and professional students in need of support. Cornell Health’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of safe, non-judgmental options to talk about any concern, including Let's Talk Drop-In Consultations, which provide informal, confidential consultation with a Cornell Health counselor. Group Counseling is also available on many topics including Managing Anxiety in Times of Uncertainty, groups specifically for international students, and some graduate student-only groups.
For students enrolled in the Graduate School, the Graduate Student Life team there is available to help you navigate personal concerns and challenging life situations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
There are times when life situations impair a student’s ability to function optimally (e.g., thinking, learning, breathing, sleeping, eating, or meeting basic needs). In such instances, students can connect with Student Disability Services (SDS) to explore temporary academic accommodations to assist in navigating the current moment. To connect with a staff member in SDS, by completing the SDS disclosure form.
Perhaps, you are unsure what resource you need, or you have a specific concern and are unclear who to speak with. We encourage you to start with the Associate Deans in Student Support and Advocacy Services by calling (607) 254-8598. We are here to listen and support you.
Cornell will continue to seek ways to support you as the situation in Turkey and Syria evolves and we encourage you to reach out for help when needed.
Sincerely,
Kathryn J. Boor
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Marla Love
Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students
Wendy Wolford
Vice Provost for International Affairs