Türkiye’s chief rabbi prays for earthquake victims

ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s Chief Rabbi Isak Haleva on Tuesday prayed for the victims of deadly earthquakes that hit 10 provinces in southern Türkiye.

In a video message on Twitter, Haleva said: "God almighty, today, as we are suffering from the earthquake that caused great destruction in 10 cities of our country’s southeast, killed thousands of our lives, and injured our brothers and sisters, we raise our tearful eyes to the skies and open our palms to your mercy and beg with our hearts."

"Grant patience, fortitude and courage to our brothers and sisters who are currently waiting to be rescued from the rubble," he said, wishing strength and success to the rescue workers who are selflessly struggling to unite quake victims with their families.

He made an emotional appeal for protection of "those who are now homeless and shelterless in this winter’s cold, from all kinds of diseases and harm."

"Protect our nation, homeland and all humanity from such calamities," he said.

Over 4,500 people have been killed and thousands of others are injured after Monday's two powerful earthquakes centered in Kahraman province, according to the country's disaster agency. The other provinces affected are Gaziantep, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adiyaman, Malatya, Sanliurfa, Adana, Diyarbakir and Kilis.

The tremors were also felt in neighboring Syria, inflicting widespread damage.