Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today called upon New Yorkers to aid the victims of one of the most devastating earthquakes ever to hit Turkey. The massive earthquake that struck early Tuesday morning, registering between 7.4 and 7.8 on the Richter scale, resulted in tremendous loss of life and widespread destruction of homes, businesses and infrastructure. New York City is joining with other members of the international community during this humanitarian crisis in helping to ease the suffering of the Turkish people.
The Mayor was joined in the appeal by H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ezen, Consul General of Turkey; Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra; Mark Edelman, Chief External Relations Officer of the Red Cross of Greater New York; Egemen Bagis, Secretary General of the Federation of Turkish American Associations; Imam Hilmi Akdag, President of the United American Muslim Association, and representatives of the Turkish American community.
of Tuesday's earthquake and the courage of the Turkish people, who are working desperately to find survivors," the Mayor said. "Now, thousands of people must begin the painful task of rebuilding their lives with the support of the international community -- and New York City."
The Mayor continued, "New Yorkers have always shown tremendous compassion when tragedy strikes both here and abroad -- whether by donating essentials to the victims of a violent conflict in Kosovo or by helping people in Central America rebuild after the deadliest Atlantic storm of the 20th Century. Once again, I urge New Yorkers to open their hearts and help the people of Turkey recover from this devastating tragedy."
The complexity involved in transporting donated goods to Turkey has prompted relief organizations to request monetary contributions so that goods can be purchased overseas. To make a monetary contribution for victims of the earthquake, New Yorkers can call the American Red Cross International Response Fund at 1-800-HELP-NOW or mail a contribution to: American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
Contributions can also be made through local organizations that are accepting donations for Turkey earthquake disaster relief. The Federation of Turkish American Associations has set up a bank account with the New York branch of Ziraat Bank to aid earthquake victims and funds can be wired directly to the bank (Account Number 20213401). For more information, call the Ziraat Bank at 212-557-5612. Checks can also be made out to the "Earthquake Relief Fund" and sent to the Federation of Turkish American Associations, 821 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017. The United American Muslim Association of New York is also accepting monetary donations and can be reached at 718-438-6919 for more information.