Why is nearly a billion dollars being raised to restore an old building as opposed to helping the people affected by the real tragedies?

There have been over 26 attacks on places of worship since 2010, according to Religion News Service.

Christians in Sri Lanka were recently targeted by terrorists on Easter Sunday. The suicide bombers took the lives of at least 253 people, said Sri Lanka Health Ministry.

Where was the outpouring of funds for the families of the people brutally murdered in those attacks? It was non-existent.

The blame for the lack of money being donated significantly lies on the laps of the wealthy. Although, the media attention or lack thereof belongs to journalists.

Journalists and those in media have a lot of power to shift the narrative in most situations.

That power should be used to give a platform to smaller communities affected by tragedies such as the religious groups who were victims of hate crimes.

The people should be a focal point in the American media spotlight, not a building all the way in France, no matter the historical significance.

The Notre Dame Cathedral went up in flames on April 15, its famous spire and roof were severely damaged, however, prime artifacts were rescued by nearby civilians.

French billionaires, Francois Henri Pinault and Bernard Arnault really made a challenge out of the building’s demise over who could donate more money to help restore the Notre Dame Cathedral.

In total, so far nearly one billion has been raised from the two ultra rich Frenchman, corporations, such as L’ Oreal and common people as well.

The irony is how many Americans who’ve probably never even been to Europe, are so touched by the burning of the Notre Dame, while places of worship are being burned down in America.

Three churches in Louisiana were targeted and subsequently attacked in March, by a serial arsonist.

Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, St. Mary Baptist Church and Greater Union Baptist Church, were amongst those burned to the ground. All of which are considered historical African-American churches.

It wasn’t until the cathedral caught fire that people then raised $1.4 million to help repair the destroyed buildings.

The reason a European building getting more attention than actual people and other places of worship being targeted by hate crimes is clearly and blatantly due to race and socioeconomics.

If two wealthy guys can steer-head raising a billion dollars for a building, that same energy and resources can be used to help others who are actually in need or were victims of a hate crime due to their race or religious ideologies.

There’s a simple solution, give more attention to smaller religious sanctuaries and group, as well as help them financially.