On Saturday, Aug. 14, a magnitude-7.2 earthquake killed at least 1,400 people and injured thousands more in western Haiti. The catastrophe is the latest faced by the country, which never fully recovered from a 2010 quake that claimed an estimated 250,000 lives. Last month, the president of Haiti was assassinated, creating more turmoil in a country that has long grappled with deep poverty and violence. And earlier this week, Tropical Storm Grace brought heavy rains and winds to Haiti, further complicating relief efforts.
For far too long, Haiti has experienced the ravages of militarism, colonialism, and disaster after disaster. Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, and we will hold them in the Light as they face this humanitarian crisis.
We pray for a better future for everyone, and we encourage people across the U.S. and around the world to do all they can to support long-term recovery efforts—and work toward a just and sustainable peace in Haiti.
To support humanitarian efforts in Haiti, visit:
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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions.