At a solemn prayer vigil outside the Turkish Islamic Cultural Center in Sunnyside, Queens, hundreds of mourners honored a family of four killed in the deadly earthquakes while they were traveling in Turkey.

The much admired family lived in Corona, Queens and included Burak Firik, the vice president of the center where mourners gathered, his wife, Kimberly Marilyn Firik and their two young sons.

They are among the 28,000 who died after devastating earthquakes caused mass destruction in Turkey and Syria. 

What You Need To Know

  • Prayer vigil held outside the Turkish Islamic Cultural Center in Sunnyside, Queens to honor a family of four killed in the deadly earthquakes while they were traveling in Turkey

  • The admired family lived in Corona, Queens and included Burak Firik, the vice president of the center where mourners gathered, his wife, and their two young sons

  • The family is among the more than 28,000 who died after devastating earthquakes caused mass destruction in Turkey and Syria

“At first I was heartbroken,” said family friend Sarah Abass, “but then I see everybody coming together today, the community, so strong… and honestly I feel so at peace right now, happy that they’re looking down on us.”

Abass, who lives in Midwood, said she and the Firik family had grown very close over the past two years by going on trips together to upstate, Pennsylvania and Coney Island. 

“They were so humble and so happy and so honest,” Abass said. “You don’t find that, so when you find that; it affects you. It’s something you keep with you at all times. They’re so happy, giving and beautiful people. They were the perfect couple, family, and I am so appreciative and thankful I got to meet them.”

Ali Kocabas, president of the Turkish Islamic Cultural Center told NY1 the outpouring of love and support was fitting for his friend and vice president, who he described as a visionary.

“It shows how he was valued in the community!” Kocabas said. “He did lots of good things not only for our community but for other community services, lots of charitable contributions.”

Several efforts are underway across the city, including one in Astoria, in which workers Saturday at a Turkish café tried to do their part by collecting new items to share with victims of the earthquake. 

The workers said they are collecting the goods and will transfer them to the Turkish Embassy to send to the country.

They said now is an important time to collect warm clothing, coats, blankets, socks, gloves and hats. 

While some survivors are being found in the rubble days after the destruction, hope is dwindling.

The President of Turkey called this situation the “disaster of the century.”