Reposted from CNY Central
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — On June 18, tragedy struck two families that were celebrating a religious holiday at a home in Syracuse's Northside.
The two families became victims of a house collapsing on them, resulting in eight children and four adults being transported to the hospital with injuries including burns, bruises, and broken bones.
The events of that day still shake Tanveer Akhart.
You can imagine the trauma.
Akhtar is a full-time volunteer with the Zakat Foundation. The foundation’s purpose is to help people with anything they need regardless of race, gender, or religion. Akhtar said the Syracuse chapter is a safe space for refugees new to the area. They said they would be there for the good times and the bad.
Toddler and baby in critical condition two days after Syracuse home collapse
“This center is a second home to refugees,” said Akhtar. “They trust in us.”
Akhtar said she has known the family that lived in 205 Carbon St. for two years as she helped them and also helped the new family – who was also at the house – that had only been in Syracuse for 12 days before the accident.
She formed strong bonds with the family who resided in the house, especially the children. She asked the children repeatedly if they needed anything, but their answers broke her heart.
'Baji [big sister] can you go back to my house and bring my belongings?' and I'm thinking in my mind, 'What is there left?'
As of Thursday, Akhtar arranged for the children to stay at another family’s house that speaks the same language while their parents remain in the hospital.
Syracuse community continues to show support days after house collapse
Akhtar said the families have a long road to recovery, physically and mentally. However, she said the Zakat Foundation and the Syracuse community will be there for them through this challenging time.
“May God be with all of them and I'm sure with the help of this wonderful community in Syracuse we will be able to help them, and they will be all good."
