To be honest, I'm not sure what to say. As of Friday, my social media has been completely filled with messages of support for Paris. I knew that many did not understand why such a massacre has occurred. I, myself, still do not quite understand what it takes to commit such an awful act of pure hatred and violence. And although Paris is big time on everyone's mind (as shown through Facebook's ever-popular red, white, and blue temporary profile picture filter), not many have mentioned the horrors committed worldwide in just this past week. Many feel that France is right to completely close its borders. The amount of xenophobia that has appeared on social media is absurd, similar to the amounts seen after huge violent acts.

In order to understand what happened in Paris, you must also understand what happened in Beirut and Baghdad in this past week, as well as the widespread ongoing conflicts happening in the Middle East. In order to truly understand what is going on with the refugee crisis, I’ve included some short videos that I feel best illustrate the intricate, complicated nature of the Syrian refugee crisis.

First is an explanation of the current Syrian civil war, that has been going on for almost four years at this present time:

Then is an explanation of the European Refugee Crisis, in terms of how the EU is currently handling so many people trying to escape Syria for a better life:

It’s hard to put my feelings on all of this into words. Like many others, I’m heartbroken. I want to help the hurt that is happening in so many places. I want everyone to have the right to a home in which they are and feel safe and secure. I want everyone’s basic needs to be met. I’m horrified at the way violence can bring out the worst in people.

And yet, I’m still inspired by what is happening in some places. In the love and care being shown to all. In the way that many do not let Islamophobia run rampant because of the actions of a minority extremist group. The way that many answered the call to offer help to others when these tragedies were ongoing.

We must stand by our Syrian brothers and sisters who are trying to escape their war-torn homeland. We must stand by our Muslim brothers and sisters who do not support ISIS. We must stand united against those who wish us harm. We must remember that terrorism has no religion. A Facebook friend of mine phrased my opinion on the subject perfectly, stating “No person/race is the enemy; hate is the enemy.”

Do not let terror divide us. Let love conquer.

Dear Baghdad, we pray for your healing. Dear Beirut, we pray for your healing. Dear Paris, we pray for your healing. Dear world, we pray for joy and safety, peace and unity, hope and love.

General Resources

For those who want to show support for Syrian Refugees, please consider making donations to these resources.

Inspirational note from The HP Alliance in regards to dealing with tragedy.