Earlier this week, I read the heartbreaking account of Muhammed, a Syrian refugee who fled to Austria.

The one thing – beyond the horrors of what happened to him and his family (and I do not say horrors lightly – this is akin to what happened to the Jews and the Tutsis) – is the way that individuals were key.

The crooked people smuggler and the Greek policeman who denied dying people water stand out as real life villains. Muhammed could’ve easily died because of their cruelty.

The Albanian policeman and Fritz Hummel, the Austrian man, stand out as real life heroes. He survived because of these people’s kindness.

If you’ve ever wondered if you matter – if your actions can alter the course of someone’s life – this story is a stark reminder of what one person can do.

If you live in NSW, you can now register to support the incoming Syrian refugees. Click here to fill out the form.

This is a landmark time in history.

What will you do?