The Paris bombings and other recent terrorist attacks are devastating to those not expecting them, however, what would you do if you knew that was going to happen to you, anytime, any day? In Syria, that’s every person’s daily terror. Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, over 350,000 people have died. Also, 11 million have been forced out of their homes. Americans are fearful of letting Syrian refugees into the country because of possible ISIS attacks, however, 67% of Syrian refugees referred to the United States by the United Nation have been women and children under the age of 12.

Ted Cruz, a candidate for the upcoming 2016 presidential election has stated, “if the U.S. does admit Syrian Refugees, they should only accept Christians.” This is rather ridiculous coming from a presidential candidate, considering that it’s simply unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Some people actually think all Muslims are terrorists. Yet, we live in a world where a child wearing a Hijab could get violently harassed and called “ISIS.” (For more on this story, you can read about it here.)

Most Syrian refugees are simply looking for a safe place to stay, no matter what religion they follow. They need basic human necessities that the American people could provide help for them to get. They need clothes, food, medical attention, and shelter. Most of all, innocent children need a place to safely play and get their education.

Some Syrian families are so desperate to make it to somewhere safe, they’re climbing on inflatable rubber rafts and trying to sail away to Canada.  Abdullah Kurdi, the only survivor of his family’s break for salvation states, “I don’t want anything now, even if you give me all the countries in the world, I don’t want them. What was precious to me is gone.” (More on this story here.)

Syrians all over the world are fighting for peace, whether it’s to get into a country that doesn’t want them, or their own country they refuse to obey, they won’t give up. We should provide help for these people; these lives matter. America is a proud country to say we have fought our way to be able to live safe and happy lives, and now we owe it to these people to help them achieve that too. Everyone deserves a chance at a safe, happy life.