Violence. Shocking, bloody, cruel, and random. These are just a few of the plethora of words that came to mind immediately after reading reports about the series of attacks that killed nearly 130 people. When this many die, when violence is this widespread and sudden, society freezes. Our own compassion initially cripples us.

The first emotion to break the paralysis is often visceral hatred. Hatred of those who carried out these despicable acts of terror. Hatred at the injustice of a world that is confronted by this type of violence all too often.

Everyone channels this emotion differently. Some turn it into a search for justice, just as US President Obama came out forcefully while the violence was still ongoing and said: “we’re going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice.”

Others direct their anger towards anyone they can find to blame. And for too many in Europe, and around the world, that was almost immediately the refugees.  People who have fled the violence of their own homelands in Syria and North Africa and streamed into Europe. This anger was almost instantaneous, but as with most quick reactions, it is the wrong approach.

A great tweet highlighted by Vox crystalized the response that every person lashing out at refugees in Europe needed to read:

This tweet perfectly captures why it's appalling to blame refugees for the Paris attacks https://t.co/hRvuPiQNdvpic.twitter.com/TptqWIyPLO

— Vox (@voxdotcom) November 13, 2015

Refugees have travelled far, through awful conditions to flee the violence. And now they are confronted with the reality that the violence was not left behind. That violence greeted them in Paris.

This is not the first terrorist attack in Paris. It did not happen because the refugees were there. It is violence that claimed nearly 130 lives, damaged the lives of the many more who were injured or traumatized, and potentially could make the refugees seeking asylum in Europe into its victims. Victims that will have no place to turn for justice if the anger turned against this vulnerable community turns European nations away from helping their fellow man.

The deaths in Paris should not be forgotten. Terrorism must be stopped. Justice is vital to a peaceful world. And so is helping refugees.  Help them to avoid the violence and hardship, the wars, and the terror inflicted upon on them by their homelands.

The world must stand with Paris. And Paris must stand with the refugees.  Men and women that have escaped their homelands and come to the borders of France and the rest of Europe seeking shelter and aid.

In a city known for passionate revolutions, fighting for justice and brotherhood, these deaths must reinforce the need to turn away from bigotry and hatred towards the Parisian ideal of fraternité. The losses of November 13^th can, and will not be forgotten. In the memory of the fallen, embrace the victims of violence – from wherever they come - and work together to build a free, just, and peaceful world.