A week after the series of deadly earthquakes that hit Syria and Turkey, the emotion is global. This is particularly the case in Tunisia. Tunisians feel close to the Turks and Syrians they know through telenovelas (Latino television series), friends or even trips there. Faced with images of devastation, they therefore wanted to express their solidarity.
With our correspondent in Tunis, Amira Souilem
Despite the economic crisis that is raging in the country, the Tunisian State has sent teams of rescuers on the spot and several initiatives have spread to help the survivors of the earthquake. The Tunisian Red Crescent, in particular, has launched a major national collection for the victims.
It is a well-known address for the coquettes of Tunis: Akoya, a beauty salon, is full this weekend, to the delight of Cyrine Cherif, the owner.
” VSa, these are wool sweaters, scarves, down jackets… she tells us. For a few days, Cyrine Cherif transformed her center into a collection point for earthquake victims.
” The night I heard the news, I was at home, under the blanket. There was heating and with that, I was super cold. I had this vision of the children… I imagined how people must feel and the next morning I contacted the Red Crescent and I said to myself : I help as much as I can “, she tells us.
In a few days, donations from its customers will be sent to the site by the Tunisian Red Crescent.
Another Cyrine, who came for a “French manicure”, took the opportunity to drop off clothes: “ What moved me was Syria. They have already endured so much with the war and the problems they have! For Turkey, there are many Turks who live in Tunisia and there are many Tunisians who love Turkey and who go there often. We have to help them, we have to be there for them because what happened is truly a tragedy. »
Initiatives are multiplying to help disaster-stricken populations. In addition to the various collection points, a donation service via SMS has just been launched by the Tunisian authorities.
“We must help immediately”
And a big symphony concert took place last night in Tunis. It was an event that had been planned for a long time, but the organizers wanted all of the profits to be donated to the relief operations on site.
No stage fright this evening but a lot of emotions for Fadi Ben Othman: “ This concert will be very special for all musicians. And maybe especially for me because I’m half Syrian. My mother is Syrian. I was in Syria four months ago. I conducted the Syrian orchestra so it hurts my heart what is happening in Syria and Turkey. »
Fadi Ben Othman is the conductor of the Academy of the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra. Under his leadership, all of the profits will be donated to the victims: “ If that happens to us, I would like other countries to think of us too, so there you go, we have to do it. Don’t hesitate, don’t even think about it. We must help immediately. As soon as I saw the images, the videos, it really gives goosebumps. You can’t even feel what they are feeling, what they are going through. It’s another dimension. Helping is the least we can do. »
Big smile on his face and violin in hand, Amine Jarraya nods. ” Tonight, we’re going to be on stage, we’re going to play music, while thinking – on my side, huh – how much money we’ll be able to raise to help. Me, personally, that’s what I’m going to think about. »
Although affected by an intense economic crisis, Tunisia has seen an increase in support operations for the Turkish and Syrian populations these days.
► To read also: Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: Germany will facilitate the granting of visas to victims