MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Dozens gathered at a vigil in Mount Prospect to remember victims of Turkey and Syria's recent catastrophic earthquake that has left thousands dead.
The death toll from the earthquake, that had a magnitude of 7.8, has reached more than 20,000, according to the Associated Press.
"This number is expected to ten fold as rescuers desperately searching for survivors under rubble face the grim challenges of stretched resources and harsh winter conditions," said Rana Yurtsever, President of the Board of Directors of the Turkish American Society of Chicago.
Yurtsever, while fighting back tears, said one member of the local Turkish community has lost at least 100 people from his family from the disaster.
Ali Yurtsever, Executive Director of Huddled Masses, an organization that advocates for immigrants and political asylees, quoted a Turkish saying: "Fire burns where it falls, but wherever the fire falls, it burns my heart."
"In these trying times, we can all relate to this as the earthquake has effected us all no matter where we may be," he added. "Our hearts ache for those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and communities."
Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of the Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations described the situation for Syrians, who have already been dealing with over a decade of war as "a crisis upon a crisis."
However, several representatives of different faiths and organizations offered prayers and uplifting messages of hope in the midst of overwhelming tragedy.
The speakers encouraged action in the form of donations and not just prayers. Victims in both countries are in need of first aid supplies, water, food, tents, heaters, and blankets.
TASC has created a GoFundMe page to gather money for supplies.
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