Letter to Haringey traders from Cllr Peray Ahmet
Leader and Cabinet Office
Cllr Peray Ahmet
Leader of the Council
13 February 2023
To: Haringey Traders
Dear All
A week after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, we are now hearing the tragic news that the number of casualties has risen to 33,000 and is likely to double.
I know that many of you have lost family members or know people who have family members in the area who have been affected. That’s why I wanted to write to you personally to offer my solidarity and support at this very difficult time and to tell you that we remain on hand to provide assistance.
This week I would like to come and visit some of you to offer our condolences and discuss ways of working together.
Last week together with Catherine West MP and Feryal Clark MP and with David Lammy’s office, the chief executive and I met with local Turkish and Kurdish community groups which was an opportunity to hear directly from residents with knowledge and connections in the areas affected.
One message from the community leaders came across loud and clear. They do not want anyone to make donations of goods like clothes and blankets. These items are not needed because of logistical problems regionally, locally and at an international level. Organisations are overwhelmed and unable to cope with what has already been donated.
Instead, the community is asking for financial donations. Any donations, big or small, can be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which are coordinating a range of UK charities’ aid efforts through an appeal for emergency relief efforts. We have listed other charities here on our website.
We have also been talking to Haringey Giving to be a platform for smaller groups to launch fundraising appeals.
Together with the leader of Enfield Cllr Nesil Caliskan and the Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville we have put out a statement in English, Turkish and Arabic urging people to donate money which you can find here.
Last week we also decided to set up a committee with local groups including the multi-faith forum to coordinate support across the borough.
Also I visited Woodside High School alongside Cllr Ajda Ovat to discuss how the school can help support the people in urgent need in Turkey and Syria. Many of our pupils and students around the borough have family who have been affected.
As a borough, Haringey has always been blessed with fantastic community spirit and it really does go a long way in highly challenging times such as these.
I am looking forward to meeting some of you this week and hearing how we can be of assistance and support at this very difficult time.
With best wishes
Cllr Peray Ahmet
Leader of the Council | Haringey Council