Earthquake appeal concert raises money for those in need

March 21, 2023

Renowned concert pianist, Bobby Chen, played in aid of Jesuit Missions' earthquake appeal

Director of Jesuit Missions UK, Paul Chitnis, addresses some of those who came along

There was a good turnout at Farm Street Church, the home of the British Jesuits. Bobby Chen played pieces by Chopin, Liszt, and Schubert, and there was singing from mezzo-soprano, Charlotte Thun-Hohenstein.

Two catastrophic earthquakes and over 70 aftershocks struck Syria and Turkey on 6th February, causing thousands of deaths and massive destruction. According to the World Health Organization, around 35 million people will be affected in some way by the earthquake.

Fr Tony O'Riordan of the Jesuit Refugee Service spoke to the BBC World Service's Newsday programme about the situation on the ground in Aleppo a month after the earthquake: "The situation is really dire. It's a city where people know on a daily basis hunger. They know the pain of extreme poverty on a daily basis."

The interview starts at 1 min 10 seconds and can be listened to here: Newsday - Turkey-Syria quakes: President Erdogan promises reconstruction will start soon - BBC Sounds

Jesuit Missions is continuing to provide immediate and long-term assistance to those affected, through partners on the ground. They urgently need your support. Please donate via the Jesuit Missions UK website here.

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