AAPI’s NJ chapter raises $213,000 for Turkey-Syria earthquake victims

President Dr. Ravi Kolli donates $5,000 on behalf of AAPI.

The New Jersey chapter of the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI, raised roughly $213,000 in cash, material supplies and medical supplies for the victims of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 52,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

More than 120 AAPI leaders from the chapter attended a fundraising event at the at King Palace in New Jersey on February 24, 2023, according to a press release.

“It all began with a colleague of mine working at St. Barnabas Hospital reaching out to me, seeking help for the victims and their families, who are impacted by the earthquake,” said Dr. Hemant Patel, a former president of (AAPI) and founding member of the New Jersey chapter. “I contacted the local New Jersey Chapter leaders, including Dr Binod Sinha and Dr Kishore Ratkalkar, who have been gracious and enthusiastic about the cause. And thus, began the campaign to support the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.”

AAPI President Dr. Ravi Kolli donated $5,000 on behalf of the organization, which was a partner of the event.

“I am grateful for the leadership of Dr Hemant Patel, Dr Binod Sinha, Dr Kishore Ratkalkar and Dr. Pradip Shah, who rose to the occasion and have come forward to support the needy in Turkey and Syria,” Kolli said. “Their efforts and the contributions of NJ AAPI members and the local community are a testament to AAPI’s larger commitment to humanity as a whole, helping and supporting people, reaching beyond the boundaries of nationhood, ethnicity, creed, and political affiliations.”

Hemant Patel said AAPI’s national Charitable Foundation has committed to support fundraising drive.

A major contributor was Rakesh Jain of Mobility Ideal Healthcare, who pledged money and materials worth $150,000.

“We are grateful to the generous donors who have come forward to support this noble gesture from AAPI,” said New Jersey chapter President Dr. Pradip Shah said. “Your contributions will help us in supporting hospitals and donating emergency medical kits and other much needed resources that are much needed for the thousands affected by the calamity.”

Dr. Binod Sinha, who chairs the board of trustees of the chapter, said, “This event and the fundraising efforts are truly unique, as no other physicians’ community or physicians’ organization has organized a formal fundraiser for this cause. When Dr. Patel contacted me, I expressed my wholehearted support and worked hard to support those who have lost their dear ones, their livelihood, and their belongings in the aftermath of this deadly natural calamity.”

“As the death toll continues to rise in Syria and Turkey following the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake, we at the NJ Chapter of AAPI, continuing with the mission of AAPI, rose to the occasion and mobilized all possible efforts to support the needy,” said Dr. Kishore Ratkalkar, another high-ranking official of the chapter board. “We are continuing to receive contributions from several members and, we shall be able to offer more help to those impacted by the tragedy. I urge the generous Indian American community to join in our efforts to help the victims of Turkey and Syria. we are asking the community for financial and material donations to help with the efforts that are likely to continue for weeks and months.”

Turkish Ambassador to the United States Murat Mercan, who attended the event, thanked the organizers for the “great humanitarian gesture.”

Other attendees included Consul General of Turkey Rehan Ozgur, Turkish physician Dr. Vedat Obuz, Syrian physician Dr. Haythem Albizem, and Sangeeta Malik, the coordinator of event and master of ceremony.