This week we have learned of the terrible earthquake that came to Turkey and Syria. The first reports are very shocking and like many people around the world we are very worried about the people who live in those countries.

At this time, the report is that over 5,000 people have been killed in the earthquake and there are many people who are very badly hurt as well. The number of injured people is over 20,000. The problems in Turkey and Syria will become worse. The winter in that part of the world is quite cold, there is huge damage to gas and electrical systems, and even hospitals are damaged. In addition, many buildings in Turkey and Syria are not designed for earthquake safety so there is danger in many buildings that are partly damaged.

Turkey and Syria are parts of the world with a very long and deep history. They have been multicultural nations and are at the center of European and Middle East history, culture, and philosophy. But in recent years these two countries have been aggressive to other people, have governments that do not support equal rights, and who have many social problems.

There are many differences between our countries and those countries. But this is not the right time to argue about that. We have a lot that is the same between our countries too, so it is very important for the world to work together and to make plans for how we can help them.

More than ten years ago there was a terrible earthquake and tsunami that came to Japan. The damage to the Tohoku region was unbelievable and deeply shocking for everyone. People in Japan understand the feelings that the people in Turkey and Syria are having now. We share the same experience and can have a deep understanding of our shared humanity.

When we study history and culture we learn about other people. We learn about the many things that are different. We have different skin, or eyes, or food, or language. Those differences are mostly because we live in different places, and come from different cultures. But there is much, much more that makes us similar.

All humans have red blood. All humans have arms and legs. All humans have brains, eyes, noses, ears, mouths, and feelings. People all over the world study and work. They go to school. They go to their jobs. They have friends and pets. They have families. They have music they like. They watch TV and Youtube and TikTok. They have humor and fashion and food that they like. Just like you and just like me.

When we look at the media sometimes we see pictures of people in other countries as dangerous, or like monsters. And while it is true that many other countries in the world are not as clean and safe as Japan, it is also true that there are people all over the world who are very similar to people in your country and in my country too.

If we can understand that people from other cultures and countries are similar to us we can have natural human feelings to them as well. Every woman in Turkey and Syria is someone’s mother, daughter, sister, or friend. Every man in Turkey and Syria is someone’s father, brother, son, or friend.

At this time we are still getting more information about the terrible earthquake in those countries. We know that the numbers of people who have been killed will increase. We will need to find ways to help them too. The road to change and recovery will be long, but if we can understand how we share the same humanity and share the same planet, we have a better chance for healing, cooperation, and world peace too.

This week we have learned of the terrible earthquake that came to Turkey and Syria. The first reports are very shocking and like many people around the world we are very worried about the people who live in those countries.

At this time, the report is that over 5,000 people have been killed in the earthquake and there are many people who are very badly hurt as well. The number of injured people is over 20,000. The problems in Turkey and Syria will become worse. The winter in that part of the world is quite cold, there is huge damage to gas and electrical systems, and even hospitals are damaged. In addition, many buildings in Turkey and Syria are not designed for earthquake safety so there is danger in many buildings that are partly damaged.

Turkey and Syria are parts of the world with a very long and deep history. They have been multicultural nations and are at the center of European and Middle East history, culture, and philosophy. But in recent years these two countries have been aggressive to other people, have governments that do not support equal rights, and who have many social problems.

There are many differences between our countries and those countries. But this is not the right time to argue about that. We have a lot that is the same between our countries too, so it is very important for the world to work together and to make plans for how we can help them.

More than ten years ago there was a terrible earthquake and tsunami that came to Japan. The damage to the Tohoku region was unbelievable and deeply shocking for everyone. People in Japan understand the feelings that the people in Turkey and Syria are having now. We share the same experience and can have a deep understanding of our shared humanity.

When we study history and culture we learn about other people. We learn about the many things that are different. We have different skin, or eyes, or food, or language. Those differences are mostly because we live in different places, and come from different cultures. But there is much, much more that makes us similar.

All humans have red blood. All humans have arms and legs. All humans have brains, eyes, noses, ears, mouths, and feelings. People all over the world study and work. They go to school. They go to their jobs. They have friends and pets. They have families. They have music they like. They watch TV and Youtube and TikTok. They have humor and fashion and food that they like. Just like you and just like me.

When we look at the media sometimes we see pictures of people in other countries as dangerous, or like monsters. And while it is true that many other countries in the world are not as clean and safe as Japan, it is also true that there are people all over the world who are very similar to people in your country and in my country too.

If we can understand that people from other cultures and countries are similar to us we can have natural human feelings to them as well. Every woman in Turkey and Syria is someone’s mother, daughter, sister, or friend. Every man in Turkey and Syria is someone’s father, brother, son, or friend.

At this time we are still getting more information about the terrible earthquake in those countries. We know that the numbers of people who have been killed will increase. We will need to find ways to help them too. The road to change and recovery will be long, but if we can understand how we share the same humanity and share the same planet, we have a better chance for healing, cooperation, and world peace too.