We at the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Michigan stand in solidarity and sympathy with the people of Turkey and Syria, and all those affected by the earthquakes of Feb. 6, 2023. This is a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people, and we wish to express our profound sorrow and concern over the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction that the earthquake and aftershocks have inflicted. We express our sincere condolences for those who are grieving and we call on all parties engaged in Syria to allow the unrestricted flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need.   

For all who would like to support the rescue efforts, information about aid organizations responding to the crisis can be found here (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/06/world/europe/helping-earthquake-victims-turkey-syria.html) and here (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/how-to-help-victims-of-the-7-8-earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria). More information and opportunities can also be obtained from the Turkish Student Association at the University of Michigan (turkishboard@umich.edu).

We would also like to remind UM students at all levels that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)  are available for those students who are suffering as a result of the situation. To see a Counselor on Duty or receive services, please call 734-764-8312 or visit the CAPS Central Campus Office (4th Floor Michigan Union). Support for U-M employees is available from Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) at 734-936-8660 or fascco@umich.edu and, for Michigan Medicine employees, from the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience at 734-763-5409 or counseling@med.umich.edu. The Rackham Graduate Student Emergency Fund is also available to help meet the financial needs of Rackham graduate students who experience an emergency resulting from a crisis like this. More information can be found at https://rackham.umich.edu/funding/funding-types/rackham-graduate-student-emergency-funds/. The Dean of Students Office has Emergency Funds for undergraduate students. More information can be found at https://deanofstudents.umich.edu/critical-incidents

We are available to meet with anyone who is seeking resources to deal with the current situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

In solidarity,

Ryan Szpiech and Muzammil Hussain

Ryan Szpiech
Director, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies
Associate Professor, Romance Languages, Middle East Studies, Judaic Studies
University of Michigan

Muzammil Hussain
Associate Director, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies
Assistant Professor, Communication and Media
University of Michigan