Our Thoughts and Prayers to the Earthquake Vicitms in Pakistan, Iran, and China

Apr. 23, 2013

While much of the focus in the past week has been with the tragedy in Boston, the Staff of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is also
saddened by the natural disasters affecting other parts of the world, including multiple earthquakes in the past week in Pakistan, Iran, and China.

An earthquake struck this past week in the border area of Pakistan and Iran, with the areas of Mashkell, Pakistan and Saravan, Iran being the most impacted. And just over the weekend, a severe earthquake was experienced in Sichuan Province in southwestern China, with the city of Lushan dealing with significant loss of life just five years following another devastating earthquake in that region.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected by these tragedies.  It has been a difficult week in so many parts of the world.

The Brandeis Community comprises students, faculty and researchers, and staff from these countries, as well as those who may have family, friends, or
colleagues who are coping with the events back home along with the events here in Boston.  It is during these times, being away from home, that reaching out to one another and the supports available on campus are crucial.  We encourage anyone who needs support or assistance to feel free to contact the ISSO, or any Brandeis staff member, as we are prepared to assist you in any way we can.

We also encourage you to reach out to your friends, classmates, and colleagues who are dealing with these events to lend support, or to let the ISSO know if you are concerned about someone who may not have yet reached out to Brandeis staff for support.  Student Life Staff, the Office of the Chaplaincy, and the Counseling Center are also available to assist all members of our community.

Please do not hesitate to contact the ISSO if we can help in any way. Feel free to stop by the ISSO (Kutz Hall, Room 215), or we can be reached by email (isso@brandeis.edu) or by phone (781-736-3480).

Our thoughts and prayers to all during this difficult time.