I cannot begin to state my condolences for all the lives that have been lost to terrorism. I cannot begin to express my sympathy for victims of hate crimes, and I cannot believe the hatred that has spewed out of people's mouths.

In 2015 alone, Isis has attacked numerous countries- most of which are not part of the Western world, and much of these attacks have not really been covered in our media. Isis is a terrorist organization with members from mostly Syria and Iraq.

One of the reasons I am writing this is because I've heard extremely hurtful comments about Syrian refugees and about Muslims. I am taking the time to say that Isis does not represent all of Islam. It represents an extremist terrorist organization without any ounce of humanity. Most Muslims are peaceful and go about their daily activities just as a Christian or a Buddhist would. Scapegoating and turning your backs on someone because of their religion (yes you, Donald Trump) is an act of ignorance.

I think that many have forgotten that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are sister religions (or also kno wn as Abrahamic religions) and all stem from the biblical figure, Abraham. While no religion is identical, that does not mean we should ever judge someone for a different belief or lack of.

Another reason that brings me to write this article is the fact that I've heard ignorant and bitter comments concerning Syrian refugees. I've heard people say how they don't want refugees entering the country because they'll bring "terrorism with them." I don't think that people understand that Syrian refugees are fleeing from their home countries because of Isis. Isis has destroyed the homes and lives of many Syrians and we shouldn't forget that they're also victims of terrorism.

When you truly think about it, why would families risk their lives and make the perilous journey out of Syria if it wasn't because they saw it as their last hope? One of the hardest things in life is leaving everything you've ever known to enter an unknown frontier where you're probably going to be mistreated and labeled.

I stand by Syrian refugees. I stand by Muslims. I stand by everyone who's ever been affected by Isis. I do not stand for hatred. I do not stand for ignorance, and I do not stand for cruelty. In our darkest of times as humans, I urge everyone to stop scapegoating and to console one another. This is not the time for hatred; this is the time for unification.