#BreakingNews Earthquake Death Toll in Turkey and Syria at 20,000 as Church Leaders Issue Joint Statement for Lifting of Embargo
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The Death Toll in Turkey and Syria from the February 6th earthquake and aftershocks is at 20,000 (CBS). The cold weather is hampering search and rescue efforts. International sanctions and the embargo against Syria hinder relief operations and the sending of aid to the areas affected by the earthquake. These areas are also suffering for more than 10 years of a war that is still ongoing in certain parts. Christian religious leaders, including Trappist nuns, call on the United States and the United Nations to lift the embargo. Necessary items such as food, blankets, and essential relief aid should be permitted in quake-stricken areas in both government-held regions like Aleppo as well as those under jihadi and rebel control. Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X (Yazigi), Syriac Orthodox Ignatius Aphrem II, Greek-Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph I, and all the heads of the Churches in the Arab country call want to see the “embargo on the Syrian people” lifted. Pope Francis on February 9th Tweeted: “Now is the time for compassion and for solidarity. We must put aside hatred, wars, and divisions that lead to self-destruction. Let us unite in our sorrow to help those who suffer in Turkey and Syria. May we build peace and fraternity in our world.”
FULL TEXT Statement of the Church Leaders :
Following the earthquake which struck northern Syria on Monday February 6, 2023, thousands of Syrians lost their lives, many churches, institutions and homes were destroyed and a large number of families were displaced.
This natural disaster adds to the ordeal of the Syrian people, who continue to suffer from the tragedies of war, crises, disasters, epidemics, and the harsh economic hardships resulting from inflation, the absence of indispensable materials, medications, and daily basic necessities needed in order for people to survive and live in dignity.
We, the three patriarchs with the heads of churches in Syria, demand from the United Nations and the countries imposing sanctions on Syria to lift the embargo and the unjust sanctions imposed on the Syrian people, and to take exceptional measures and immediate initiatives to secure the delivery of the much needed relief and humanitarian aid. We also appeal to the conscience of all the people of good will to advocate on behalf of the Syrian in order to put an end to their misery and enable them to live in dignity as envisioned by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We pray for the victims and their families, asking the Lord to grant rest to the souls of the departed and recovery to the wounded. We, likewise, pray for all those working in the fields of relief, rescue, and hospitalization. We appeal to the governments, international organizations, NGOs, charities, and peace advocates everywhere to expedite the support of relief and rescue efforts, irrespective of any political consideration.
Damascus, February 7, 2023
John X Greek Orthodox Patriarch
Ignatius Aphrem II Syriac Orthodox Patriarch
Joseph I Greek Catholic Melkite Patriarch
And the Heads of the Churches in Syria
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