New Jersey physicians raise funds to help earthquake victims in Turkey, Syria

March 3, 2023

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Above and below – Representatives of Turkey, including Ambassador of Turkey Murat Mercan and Consul general of Turkey Rehan Ozgur, attended the Feb. 24, 2023, earthquake fundraiser held by the New Jersey chapter of AAPI Charitable Foundation recently. Photo: NJ AAPI

The New Jersey State Chapter of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Charitable foundation and four physicians Dr Binod Sinha, Dr Hemant Patel, Dr Kishore Ratkalkar and Dr Raj Bhayani recently led the efforts to help the victims of the Turkey earthquake disaster. On February 24^th 2023, a fundraiser was held at King Palace New Jersey and a record $213,000 was raised. More than 120 guests attended the event and donated generously.

According to organizers, “This event and fundraising is truly unique as no other physicians community or physicians organization has done a fundraiser for this cause,” a press release from the NJ AAPI Chapter said.

Among those present at the event were Ambassador of Turkey Murat Mercan and Consul General of Turkey Rehan Ozgur. During his comments, the Ambassador said, “This is unique and one of a kind event” and appreciated the organizers “from the bottom of his heart for their humanitarian gesture.”

Turkish doctor Dr. Vedat Obuz, who represents TA SC gave an update on current situation in Turkey and Syrian doctor Dr Haythem Albizem who is Global justice founder, updated on grave situation in Syria.
Rakesh Jain of Mobility Ideal Healthcare committed $150,000 worth of prosthesis; National AAPI President Dr. Ravi Koli donated $5,000 as a partner of event, the press release said.

Others attending the event included representatives of JFK/HMH, President Chief hospital executive Amie Thornton, JFK university hospital VP operation Jaikumar Sreekanth, JFK university Hospital Regional chief of Surgery HMH Dr Faiz Bohra, Foundation executive director JFK university hospital Sheri Marino and Frank Babar JFK university foundation board member. They announced stronger collaboration with New Jersey State AAPI.

Organizers are still getting the checks and they appealed to the community to join the efforts to help victims of Turkey and Syria. This event has led to Turkish and Syrian community developing “great sense of gratitude towards Indian community for this great humanitarian gesture, as expressed by many in attendance,” the press release said. Organizers will soon be meeting the Ambassador of Turkey to present the donation check, organizers said.