We have been flooded with images of destruction and death in Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.  The latest update predicts that over 20,000 people have been killed in the earthquake. The images and the numbers are confronting.  At the same time there are miraculous images of people being discovered and pulled alive from the rubble.  One of the stories that has captured the imagination of thousands of people across the globe is the story of new-born baby Aya.  Baby Aya was found still attached to her mother’s umbilical cord under a collapsed building in North-West Syria.  Her mother, father and four siblings were sadly all killed in the earthquake.  Aya, which means miracle, was discovered alive and delivered to the world by incredulous rescue-workers.  There have been thousands of offers, throughout the world, to adopt Aya and give her a new life.  At the moment she stays with her doctor and extended family.

It is interesting how enthralled the world is by this story.  On the other hand it is no wonder.  A new born baby epitomises the hopes and aspirations of us all.  A new-born baby is the future of the world.  A new-born baby being lifted out of the rubble is a powerful image of the re-birth that Turkey and Syria can only dream about at the moment.  In fact, these countries are so focused on responding to the immediate needs that they have no time to think about the future.  Instead Aya is given to them as a sign of that promise of new life, of which they yet not dare to dream.  Perhaps that is why so many people are moved by this story.

Perhaps too, the story of Aya is a story for all of us.  It is a reminder that all of us are fragile, vulnerable human beings.  All of us, at times, need lifting up and given new hope.  Sometimes this can be in our relationships, sometimes it is about our health, other times it is about our direction in life or our concerns for our children and family members.  Sometimes, as in Turkey and Syria, it can be about physical threat and destruction.  In the face of such moments human beings are called to solidarity with each other.  Each of us is aware when we see other people suffering that, indeed, this could be us.  And so the experience of someone suffering is always a call for someone else to respond.  For Christians this is an affirmation and reminder that each and every person is made in the image and likeness of God.  Human life is sacred.  The human family stands as one before our God.

Caritas Australia is connected on the ground in Turkey and Syria and is accepting donations of support to assist in the response and rebuild of these two countries.  You can donate directly online if you wish.

Closer to home there are many ways in which we can respond to the small and local needs of our own family members and neighbours.  These global tragedies always remind us of the precariousness of our own lives.  They are a call to deeper empathy with each other and the human family.

By Fr Brendan Reed

Image: Baby Aya in hospital