The Turkish Student Association at IU aims to aid those affected by earthquakes

Bloomington, Indiana – Days after one of the greatest earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, the death toll is steadily climbing. Students from Indiana University are stepping up to offer support while search and rescue operations go on because of the impact felt across continents right here in Indiana.

In order to aid relief operations in Turkey, the IU Turkish Student Association and International Services are collaborating. Students said that they wanted to assist as soon as the earthquake occurred. And as expected, everyone gathered to solve the problem.

The next step is taking action after a period of prayer.

“It’s not a war we just can’t control it. We cannot stop so we have to be together, and we have to be strong,” said Selim Yavuz, president of the Turkish Student Association.

Turkey is where he was born. Although the majority of his family is still there, they escaped the mayhem. Many pupils’ families, though, weren’t as lucky.

“Unfortunately, lots of our friends they lost their relatives uncles cousins. And also, they lose their close friends,” he said.

The moment the earthquake occurred, students began to organize. With additional assistance from the International Services division, they have advanced quickly. Among other things, starting a fundraiser and assembling winter clothing for shipping.

“It was very heartening to see, not surprising but heartening. Always to see the amount of care and support that they provided one another,” said John Wilkerson, associate vice president for International Services.

He claims that there are roughly 8,000 international students at IU. with a sizable Turkish community. As soon as the university sought out, students reacted. Currently collaborating with attempts to bring goods to Turkey and offering mental assistance.

“One of the things we find when crisis happens to find opportunities to bring those students together,” Wilkerson said.

He claims that there are roughly 8,000 international students at IU. with a sizable Turkish community. As soon as the university sought out, students reacted. Currently collaborating with attempts to bring goods to Turkey and offering mental assistance.

“We all try to reach more people and thankfully our school is with us, and they help us,” he said.