A message to all Turkish and Syrian staff and students.
Dear colleagues and students,
We are writing to you to express our deep sorrow at the dreadful humanitarian disaster facing the countries of Turkey and Syria following last week’s earthquakes.
We cannot imagine the pain and grief that those who have lost loved ones are experiencing, or the deep levels of shock and concern that Turkish, Syrian and other affected communities at Cambridge are dealing with. Our thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time.
As we have said on the University’s social media channels, Cambridge is an international community, and we want to do what we can to provide quick and practical support. So far, we have used our channels to point those who want to donate money to the Disasters Emergency Committee. We are also publicising events and networks at Cambridge that are bringing together expertise and help.
We are also talking to a number of Turkish staff and students to understand how we might provide meaningful support over the coming days and weeks, and our colleagues in the Office of External Affairs and Communications are publishing stories of Cambridge academics who have flown to the region. Please feel free to contact them with details of local relief efforts and support by emailing internalcomms@admin.cam.ac.uk. Finally, please do not hesitate to contact the Staff Counselling Service or Student Counselling Service if you are struggling to cope.
With best wishes,
Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for University Community and Engagement
Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education
Sent to staff and students on 14 February, 2023