Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
It has been 24 hours since two devastating earthquakes destroyed large parts of southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The tremors were felt across the region, even as far as our community garden in Domiz 1 camp in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Many of our gardeners in the KRI are Syrian and have family and friends in Syria and Türkiye. As ever, we stand in solidarity with our friends in the KRI, in Syria and Türkiye, and all around the world.
The first 48 hours after such a catastrophic event are crucial and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly affected. Huge numbers of people are still trapped in the rubble, with thousands more needing emergency medical care, shelter, food and water.
People have been asking us how they can help, so below are details of some trusted organisations working on the ground to provide emergency rescue and support services, that need our urgent support.
- Syria Civil Defence – The White Helmets
- Molham Team
- Hands Up Foundation UK
- Turkey Mozaik Foundation
- Choose Love
We add our heartfelt thanks to the many incredible people and organisations rallying to distribute emergency aid and help to all those affected. We are once again reminded of people’s love and compassion; the light in the darkness. Thank you.
Aveen Ibrahem is Operations Manager at Lemon Tree Trust, overseeing our community gardening and cooking programmes across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Her work supports activities in Azadî Community Garden in Domiz 1 camp, as well as outreach and coordination across the nine camps where Lemon Tree Trust currently operates. Having lived in Domiz 1 … Continued
Inside the polytunnels at the Hêvî Community Garden in Gawilan refugee camp, Garden Manager Othman Qewas carefully selects fruit trees and flowering plants grown from seed. Joined by Hamid Abdullah, Lemon Tree Trust’s Horticulture and Landscape Consultant, the plants are loaded into the car before setting off to visit families across the camp. As part of our ongoing children’s outreach programme in Gawilan camp, … Continued
Bringing together residents to celebrate the home gardens they have grown, tended and transformed over the past year, Lemon Tree Trust’s 2026 Annual Garden Competitions have taken place across nine refugee and IDP (internally displaced people) camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This year’s competitions introduced a greater emphasis on welcoming new participants alongside … Continued