MORE ON HELPING ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

On Wednesday, April 8, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was joined by Francesco Maria Talo, Consul General of Italy in New York, members of the Italian-American community and elected officials to announce the creation of a fund to assist Italy earthquake victims, as well as to express their solidarity with the people of Italy. The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn is asking that donations be made payable to FIAO Earthquake Relief Fund and mailed to: FIAO, 7403 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11204. Checks can also be dropped off at Brooklyn Borough Hall and at the offices of Council Member Vincent Gentile (8703 3^rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209), or call 311 for more information on donations. Because of the dangerous conditions in the quake zone, monetary donations are encouraged so that relief agencies on the ground can prioritize the basic needs of victims and their families.

Elected officials, or their representatives, who attended the Borough Hall press conference included Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, State Senator Diane Savino, State Senator Carl Kruger, State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, City Council Member Bill de Blasio, City Council Member Vincent Gentile, City Council Member Letitia James and City Council Member Darlene Mealy. Also present was Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens associate executive director Sister Ellen Patricia Finn, and members of the religious and legal communities throughout Brooklyn. Bensonhurst residents Pia Lisi and Dante and Gelsa Sperandio, who are natives of L'Aquila and have friends and family in the earthquake-stricken area, were also on hand.

"The devastating news coming out of Italy hits us especially hard in Brooklyn, where our vibrant Italian-American community is mourning the souls lost in the earthquake and praying for the tens of thousands of residents left injured or homeless," said BP Markowitz. "I am proud to say that Brooklynites have always responded to those in crisis around the globe by opening up their hearts and wallets, so I urge them--and all New Yorkers--to contribute to earthquake relief efforts in any way possible."

"Many Brooklynites with ties to the Abruzzo region have called our office because they have lost contact with their loved ones in the quake zone," said Jack Spatola, chairman of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn. "It breaks our hearts to see such a tragedy for the people of that region and all of Italy, for we are all part of one family. By donating to the disaster relief fund, I can think of no better way to offer a helping hand to the tens of thousands of people in crisis who need support to begin rebuilding their lives."

"One more time, the people of Italy have been struck by the devastation of an earthquake, for which we are all in mourning," said Francesco Maria Taló, Consul General of Italy in New York. "The Government of Italy has responded promptly and efficiently. Our Civil Protection, among the most competent emergency first responders in the world, is operating in an extraordinary manner to assist the 70,000 victims left without a home. Our most heartfelt appreciation is extended to all the authorities and the American people who have shown solidarity to our country either personally or through their representatives."

"Brooklyn residents have always united to assist those in need," said State Senator Carl Kruger. "Our hearts as a community go out to everyone in our borough with loved ones and friends in Italy who have suffered as a result of this disaster. We will do all we can to help the victims recover and move forward with their lives."

"All of us in the Italian-American community, and beyond, are joining together to try to help those devastated by the earthquake in L'Aquila," said State Senator Diane Savino. "We ask all New Yorkers to join us in offering assistance to the victims and their families. We are particularly saddened that this horrific event is occurring during Easter Week. Please know that you are in our prayers during this ordeal and that we wish everyone in the Abruzzo region a Buona Pascua."

"I was deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Italy which has left hundreds dead and over a thousand injured," said City Council Member Bill de Blasio. "The worst tragedies bring out the best in our communities. As an Italian-American, I am gratified that many New Yorkers have already contributed their time, energy and money to relief efforts. I hope we will continue to give our sympathies and our help to those suffering from this disaster."

"This is an opportunity for every Brooklynite to stand alongside the survivors of Monday morning's earthquake and make every conceivable effort to ease their suffering," Council Member Vincent Gentile said. "Thousands of lives have been tragically altered, and we have a chance to make a difference in how quickly survivors' needs are met. I urge everyone to take an active interest in helping out central Italy, and to contact my office for information on ways you can help. I have been in touch with the Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Embassy to gauge the needs of L'Aquila and the surrounding areas, and am proud of the warmth and willingness so many of my constituents have already shown by contacting my office, offering their assistance and looking to donate."

"We have watched with heavy hearts as the number of people left injured or homeless by the earthquake in L'Aquila has steadily risen," said Council Member Domenic Recchia. "This terrible tragedy strikes particularly close to home, in a city where Italians make up the largest European ethnic group. As New Yorkers, we have stepped up time and again to help those in need, whether on our soil or across an ocean. I encourage my neighbors in Brooklyn, and all New Yorkers, to do whatever they can to help our Italian friends through this difficult period."

Photo credit: Kathryn Kirk