Amsterdam neighborhood reflects on earthquake victims: “Grief becomes smaller if you share it”

The residents organized the silent march to pay respect to the Syrians and Turks who died, and also to encourage residents who have lost friends or relatives. “Especially the people who came to the Netherlands from the east side of Turkey have all lost their relatives and we think it is important to reflect on this”, says co-organizer Selahattin of the Kombüt foundation.

The procession was followed by the start of ten days of ‘We are in mourning’ in the Glass House, organized by, among others, Fatima Zohra of the ‘We are Plein ’40-’45 foundation: “There are people who mourn in silence and are not so quickly express their grief. The Glass House is also a way for people to show that grieving is allowed,” said Zohra.

In the house people can light a candle, write a letter or talk to each other. The organizers especially want people not to have to bear their grief on their own.

Affected relatives

Several attendees have family members affected by the earthquake. Above all, they hope to find a listening ear here.

“It doesn’t matter whether you come from Syria or Turkey, human suffering is the same. Grief becomes correspondingly smaller when you share it with each other, so that’s why we are here,” said one of those present, whose sister-in-law and niece are affected. They are doing well given the circumstances.

The Glass House can still be visited for the next ten days.