Indian American artist raises $420,000 for Turkey, Syria

Chicago-based Syed Rehman is constantly thinking of ways to help the earthquake hit people.

When a massive earthquake shook Turkey and Syria a few days ago, the tremors of how a sudden calamity can turn lives upside down were felt across the globe.

While humanitarian support and social organizations rushed to see how they can help those impacted by the disaster, many individuals around the world were also looking at how to pitch in and where to send across charity.

During this time, Syed Rehman, an artist who runs his custom home design studio in the suburbs of Skokie near Chicago decided to go beyond and directly help the needy. He not only started a campaign through his very active Instagram handle but also was inspired to go himself to Turkey and offer help.

Talking to the American Bazaar, Syed Rehman says, “I have been involved with many charities in the past and when this calamity struck, suddenly an overwhelming number of people began sending me messages asking if there is a campaign I have started.” But it was Rehman’s little daughter who acted as a catalyst that led him to dive headlong into humanitarian work.

“One day, my daughter came back from school and asked me if I could go to Turkey and help the earthquake victims there,” he recalls. “I saw this as a sign from God and I immediately got in touch with Human Concern International (HCI), Canada. Soon, we decided that we will fly to Turkey along with their team.”

On the ground, Rehman discovered that the situation remains more dismal than we can see on screens. He along with the team not only distributed aid but also cooked hot meals for many who were rendered homeless by the earthquakes.

Rehman also continued posting a series of videos from the earthquake sites to explain to people the extent of the disaster while seeking support from people to donate generously. “We have been able to raise $420,000 for the people,” he says.

Rehman’s experience on the ground has overwhelmed him and he has not been able to get back to his business as he is constantly thinking of ways in which he can provide help.

In a series of videos posted from Gaziantep where the rubble as a result of the earthquake could be seen, Rehman spoke how he had been seeing hundreds of tall buildings just collapsed on the ground and cars crushed totally.

Syed Rehman is the founder of Modern Wall Art, a custom home décor studio that creates pieces using Arabic calligraphy.