On the evening of June 5th, 2014, the Turkic American Alliance hosted a “Raising Awareness for Balkan Floods” reception at its office headquarters. The reception began at 6:00pm and was attended by over 30 guests from the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of Serbia, the Embassy of Croatia and the Embassy of Slovenia, in addition to the Balkan community at large. Guests included Bosnians, Serbs, Croatians, Macedonians, Slovenians, Turks and Americans.
Before the program began, guests mingled over traditional homemade Turkish food, desserts and coffee. TAA’s Program Assistant, Lamija Silajdžić, welcomed everyone to the event and delivered introductory remarks about the current situation in the Balkan region. She also addressed the dangers that face the region and highlighted a recent House Resolution that was introduced by Congressman Hastings and Congressman Robert Aderholt in the U.S. House of Representatives expressing their condolences and support of the victims of the flooding in Western Balkans and we are very appreciative of the support. Keynote speeches were delivered by H.E. Jadranka Negodić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Mr. Mario Škunca, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Croatia, and Mr. Vladimir Jovičić, the Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting Ambassador of the Embassy of Serbia. Each of the speakers spoke about the crises facing their respective countries as a result of the devastating floods that inundated the region.
The floor was then turned to two respected relief organizations to elaborate on their efforts in the region. The first speaker was Red Cross representative Eric Barese, who discussed the actions the Red Cross is taking to assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts as a result of the floods. The second speaker was Embrace Relief representative Mustafa Ozdemir, who briefly discussed the organization and how it has helped the effected region. While the reception officially concluded at 7:30pm, the reception continued well after 8:00pm, as continued to share ideas and ways to assist in the relief efforts of the Balkans.
The vision for this reception was raise awareness about this tragic event due to an overall lack of media coverage by major networks. To do this, the Turkic American Alliance highlighted the countries that were formerly split by war, and which are now uniting forces and resources to save as many lives as they can. In addition, international communities and organizations have come together to raise funds specifically for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. Organizations such as the Red Cross and Embrace Relief along with many more are all accepting donations for projects on rebuilding the devastated Balkan areas. The Turkic American Alliance thanks the distinguished speakers for their support and for offering their expertise and knowledge. This reception was the first of its kind for the Turkic American Alliance.
Below are links to the donation sites of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, respectively, as well as to Embrace Relief.
http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/where-we-work/europe/red-cross-society-of-bosnia-and-herzegovina-/
http://www.ifrc
http://www.ifrc
