Humanitarian Mission
Our story began on February 6, 2023, the day of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The images of immense destruction we saw through the media deeply moved us. Like many others, we were emotionally involved with the suffering of the victims of one of the greatest disasters in human history.
Initiation of Action: Initially, we started with fundraising efforts, but when we learned that many people were still trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, we felt a strong urge to actively contribute to the rescue operations. Volunteers from various professional groups such as police officers, nurses, engineers, and psychologists joined forces in solidarity with humanity.
Formalization of the Team: Within a few days, we formed a volunteer Search And Rescue (SAR) team, under the name ‘Volunteer Dutch’. The necessary materials were gathered, and with the required permissions from the Turkish embassy in The Hague, we were able to enter the emergency area. Our journey began with a flight to Gaziantep, followed by a bus trip to Antakya.
Execution of Missions: In Antakya, a major city in the province of Hatay, we worked alongside rescue workers from organizations such as AFAD, SAR-Turkiye, Helpme Germany, and USAR Colombia. We assisted in the recovery of dozens of victims. During these operations, we unfortunately also encountered victims who appeared to have recently died. These moments reinforced our understanding of the importance and necessity of preparedness for disasters.
Aftermath and Subsequent Initiatives: In addition to the rescue operations, we also provided humanitarian aid by making local purchases and distributing goods to people in tent camps. Inspired by these experiences and with an increased awareness of the importance of well-organized aid, we founded the HESAR Foundation (Human Emergency Search And Rescue) on April 17, 2024. Our goal with this foundation is to build a broader network of volunteers and organizations that are ready to offer hope and assistance to victims of natural disasters worldwide.
Because for us, humanity comes first; our aim is to provide hope wherever in the world to those affected by disasters.