France commits to bringing in 500 more Iraqi and Syrian refugees

France is offering 500 Iraqi and Syrian refugees an alternative to reaching Europe through trafficking and dangerous crossings over the Mediterranean Sea. 

The government of outgoing French President Francois Hollande committed on Tuesday to an initiative with a number of Christian charities to absorb 500 Syrian and Iraqi refugees in lieu of them seeking migration into Europe via trafficking and dangerous crossings over the Mediterranean Sea.

“Europe and France are facing an unprecedented wave of refugees because of its scale and because of its causes,” said Hollande according to Reuters.

“Everything is adding up. There are wars, especially in Iraq and Syria…and there is terrorism or fanaticism, driving people to leave their homes to look for safety and tranquility in Europe.”

According to an accord signed at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France will take in the refugees, who will be brought over from Lebanon within the next 18 months.

The Sant’Egidio community Catholic charity in Italy has led a coalition of Christian groups in pushing for and helping to resettle many refugees throughout Europe. The organization has helped countless refugees start from scratch, including finding them new housing, jobs, and schools.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News