TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Arab Chamber of Commerce Taiwan brought attention to Syrian victims still suffering from the aftermath of last month’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake at its “Arabian Night To Support Syria” event on Wednesday evening (March 8).

The charity event, held in partnership with SKAL International Taipei Club, was originally planned to be a cultural one, but after the earthquake occurred, it shifted its focus to affected Syrians. “The goal of the event was to spread awareness of the Syrian victims of the earthquake and to show Taiwan’s support and solidarity not only to Syria but all the countries that were affected by this earthquake,” according to the chamber of commerce.

When the earthquake happened, the press only spoke about Turkey, chamber of commerce chairman Wael Hamouie said. “Nothing has been mentioned about Syria.”

Hamouie said Syria is still suffering from a nine-year civil war and is now dealing with two challenges since the earthquake struck. Because of the war, Syria has no friends to help, he said. He lamented that the international community mostly provided aid to Turkey, while Syria barely received any assistance.

The chairman said he wanted to raise money at the event to provide food and supplies for 700 families in Aleppo in a matter of two weeks. The boxes of supplies will have the name “Taiwan” clearly displayed, he added.

“I want to let the people of Syria know that this is from the Taiwanese.”

Hamouie mentioned that his office is currently working with multiple NGOs including the Red Crescent.

Those who want to help can contact the Arab Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Attendees of Wednesday's event included:

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman

Mr. Roland Rudorfer, Director Austrian Office Taipei, and his Spouse Mrs.Jing Xu

H.E. Ambassador Donya Lynex Francis Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis

H.E. Amb. Harold Burgos from the Embassy of the Republic of Honduras

H.E. Amb. Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam from the Embassy of Guatemala and his Spouse

H.E. Amb. Roudy Stanley Penn Embassy of the Republic of Haiti

Representative Mr. Daniel Csaba Lorincz Hungarian Trade Office, Taipei

Mr. Jim Nickel, Executive Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei

Mr. Augusto H.T. Liao, Executive Director, Central America Trade Office (CATO)

Ms. Dheerangkun Uchino, Thailand Trade and Economic Office

Minister Counsellor Elroy, Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

John Nixon - CEO OF (TES) Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

President Jiping Chou, Taipei President of the Parents Association

Ms. Kitty Wong, President SKAL International Taipei

Vice President Denise Chou, Yilan Sister Cities Corporation

and other distinguished guests

Chairman Hamouie gives presentation on aftermath of earthquake in Syria. (Taiwan News, Kelvin Chen photo)

Chairman Hamouie and event attendees. (Taiwan News, Kelvin Chen photo)

(Taiwan News, Kelvin Chen photo)