Germany’s decision to take in over ten thousand refugees and to put no cap on the quota of incoming refugees has sparked much controversy in Europe over the past few days. Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has been especially vocal about the issue, stating that Germany must close its borders to any further immigration as they are attracting a massive amount of immigrants, including many that should fall under the category of economic migrants as opposed to refugees. Others argue that Germany cannot support the number of refugees crossing their borders given that over 6 billion dollars will be needed by the end of this year to subsidize the 800,000 refugees that are expected to arrive.

Photo by Martin Meissner

While it is true that Germany’s generous stance makes Europe more attractive to prospective immigrants, the fact remains that the Syrian crisis is forcing people out of their homes. Most of the people currently migrating into Europe are escaping war-torn countries; they are refugees seeking only to survive. Germany’s stance may not be truly practical in the eyes of many world leaders; however – when thousands of lives are at stake – the question arises; should practicality really be the main concern? Is the answer to close to our doors and our hearts when thousands of human beings suffer unspeakable horrors and beg for help?

Photo by Jens Schlueter

Some argue that it is the world’s responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. As Chancellor Merkel pointed out, it cannot only be Germany’s responsibility to help the Syrian refugees.While many European countries are doing their best to help, it is important to consider that many of the problems that now face Germany would be much more manageable if only the rest of European countries – as well as countries all around the world – such as England or the United States, would step up and help according to their abilities. If the former Uruguayan President José Mujica – often called the “poorest president in the world” – is willing to house 100 orphan children and the Vatican is calling for parishes, convents, and monasteries around the world to house at least one family coming from Syria, then surely the many World powers can open their borders and offer asylum to the refugees escaping the violence and death found in their countries.

The question then, is not whether the world has the resources to help Syria, but whether or not the world is willing to help those in need.