As the team walked through the cemetery, the scene was heartbreaking. Hundreds of earthquake victims were buried there, many without tombstones. Instead, only simple wooden boards marked with numbers stood in their place. Mr. Jordan Hattar explained that many families lack the financial means to purchase gravestones and that these numbers represent lives that were tragically taken, ones once full of laughter, dreams, and love. In some places, multiple numbers were written on a single board, marking mass graves. Among the few graves with headstones, the names of young children, two to four years old, stood out painfully. Their lives had only just begun, yet their futures were taken because of where they were born, something they could not control.

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During a Zoom call with a refugee of the Turkey Earthquake called Shahd, Shahd shared her passion for drawing and interior design—interests she once loved but now struggles to reconnect with after losing her family. She also spoke candidly about her mental health challenges and ongoing therapy because of her tragic situation. Despite these hardships, she continues her education through the support of Jordan’s organization, demonstrating remarkable strength and perseverance.

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As our team expressed heartfelt encouragement, Shahd responded with gratitude. She shared that the care and support she receives from people around the world remind her that warmth and hope still exist, even after unimaginable loss. Her resilience stands as a powerful reminder of the impact compassion can have and the importance of standing in solidarity with those affected by crisis.

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