Toyo University Charity Bazaar and Dinner 2023: Supporting Earthquake Survivors in Turkey and Syria
In 2023, Toyo University, in collaboration with Syrian Hands and Japan Islamic Trust, organized a series of community-led fundraising events in Japan to support those affected by the devastating Turkey–Syria earthquake.
These events demonstrated how academic institutions, civil society organizations, and student volunteers can work together to provide meaningful humanitarian support beyond national borders.
A Group photo at the end of the Charity Dinner Party hosted by Toyo university, 19th May 2023
Charity Bazaar and Dinner at Toyo University
The fundraising initiative began with a Mini Charity Bazaar held on April 27 and 28, 2023, followed by a Charity Dinner on May 19, 2023, both hosted on the Toyo University campus.
The events aimed to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Syria and Turkey following the earthquake, while also generating financial support for emergency and recovery efforts. Through the combined efforts of students, faculty members, and community volunteers, the events raised a total of ¥332,070, all of which was directed to earthquake relief.
Academic and Humanitarian Voices
The charity dinner featured three distinguished speakers who provided critical perspectives on the Syrian crisis and the humanitarian response following the earthquake:
Professor Nejima (Toyo University) offered an academic perspective on displacement, recovery, and regional instability.
Dr. Hussam, Founder and Director of Syrian Hands, shared insights from the organization’s on-the-ground humanitarian work and long-term recovery approach.
Mr. Haroon, General Secretary of Japan Islamic Trust, highlighted the vital role of JIT in sustained humanitarian action and emphasized the continuous efforts of JIT since 2012, carried out in cooperation with Syrian Hands, to support Syrian refugees and orphans, noting that these long-standing humanitarian efforts have expanded to include support for earthquake-affected families following the Turkey–Syria earthquake.
Participants also joined an online session with Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Tasneem from the Molham Team, who presented an overview of their emergency and recovery work supporting earthquake-affected communities.
Earthquake Relief Beyond Emergency Aid
The funds raised through the Toyo University events contributed to Syrian Hands’ broader Turkey & Syria Earthquake Relief Fund, which continued its activities through the end of 2024.
As outlined in the official relief program, donations supported:
Emergency shelter and winter assistance
Distribution of essential food and non-food items
Transitional and durable housing solutions
Community-level recovery efforts
This approach reflects a deliberate shift from short-term emergency response toward sustainable recovery, ensuring that affected families move beyond temporary survival conditions.
(See program details: https://www.syrianhands.jp/programs/turkey-syria-earthquake-relief-fund)
A 3-story apartment building funded by Syrian Hands and Japan Islamic Trust, for 12 displaced families
Acknowledging Community and Student Leadership
Syrian Hands extends its sincere appreciation to:
Toyo University for hosting and facilitating the events
Japan Islamic Trust for its partnership and organizational support
The student volunteers of Toyo University, whose dedication and coordination were central to the success of both the bazaar and the dinner
Their efforts demonstrate how student-led initiatives in Japan can translate compassion into measurable humanitarian impact.
A Model for Future Engagement
The 2023 Toyo University charity bazaar and dinner stand as a practical example of effective community-based fundraising—combining education, dialogue, and concrete action in response to global humanitarian crises.
Syrian Hands remains committed to strengthening such partnerships as part of its long-term mission to support vulnerable communities with transparency, accountability, and sustainable impact.
