‘Syrian children die every day and we just take pictures. Nobody takes steps’

A 29-year-old Syrian refugee who escaped to Ireland 18 months ago has made an impassioned plea to the Irish and European governments to help his fellow country people.

Motasem, a father of two, said intensive efforts were needed on two fronts — to welcome fleeing Syrians and to bring peace to the country.

“I would like to say, open the door and stop the war. That’s my message,” he said. “What has been done is not enough because still the children die every day. So open the door and stop the war.”