To Our Brothers and Sisters in Venezuela

To Our Brothers and Sisters in Venezuela: You are not alone. We stand with you, we pray for you, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the help you need reaches you during this tragedy.

We know that no donation can ever replace the loss of a loved one, a beloved pet, a home, or the places where so many precious memories were made. The pain you are experiencing is immense. Yet we want you to know that, from many places around the world, people are working with love to send you medicine, food, water, essential supplies, and hope.

To the rescuers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, Civil Protection personnel, volunteers, and every person of goodwill who is dedicating their strength to saving lives, clearing debris, organizing relief centers, registering the missing, sharing information with the limited resources available, or simply extending a helping hand: thank you.

May God bless you, strengthen you, and reward you abundantly for every life you are touching. Heaven holds a special place for those who serve their neighbors in times of suffering.

We also want to acknowledge a reality that deserves to be known. Many of those working on the front lines today are doing so with extremely limited resources, and in many cases they are using equipment, fuel, tools, and supplies purchased with their own money. Their dedication is a true act of love and service.

To the nations that have responded by sending rescue teams, specialized personnel, humanitarian aid, and essential supplies, we extend our deepest gratitude. Venezuela will remember with honor every act of solidarity shown during these difficult days.

International assistance is exactly that—assistance. Every country responds according to its own capabilities, procedures, and timing. Every helping hand deserves our gratitude.

At the same time, it is important to remember that the primary responsibility for protecting, assisting, and responding promptly to the needs of the population rests with those who govern our country. The Venezuelan people deserve a response that is swift, organized, and effective, especially in moments of crisis like this.

Today, Venezuela is facing a tragedy caused by the forces of nature. But it is also confronting deep challenges that have accumulated over many years: deteriorated infrastructure, shortages of essential resources, inadequate emergency preparedness, and significant institutional challenges that make responding to a disaster of this magnitude even more difficult.

Many Venezuelans living abroad long for the day when we can return to embrace our loved ones once again and help rebuild a country full of opportunity—a country where future generations can live in freedom, security, prosperity, and dignity.

That is the country we dream of. That is the country our children deserve. And that is the country worth continuing to pray for, work toward, and strive for, each of us from wherever God has placed us.

Until that day comes, we will continue doing what is within our reach: praying, helping, donating, serving, and standing beside you.

May God sustain Venezuela, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who serve, and allow us, united, to lift up our nation once again.

Let us not lose hope. Venezuela remains standing because its people refuse to stay down.🇻🇪❤️