George Clooney has opened up about the plight faced by his Irish ancestors during the famine and has urged people to do more to help those facing war or persecution.
The oscar-winning actor attended the Armenian Genocide remembrance service yesterday and revealed the struggles faced by his Irish ancestry.
“The Clooney family fled a famine in Ireland to come to the United States where their very survival required a room, a meal, a helping hand,” he said.
The actor went on to encourage people to help the those fleeing from war torn countries just like people helped the Irish escaping the famine years ago.
“We call them refugees, but they’re just people, like you and me. And if you stand right in front of them and take a look deep into their eyes, you might just see an Irish farmer fleeing a famine.
“If we are to survive as a people we simply can’t look away. Not from the people of Syria or South Sudan or the Congo.
“The simple truth is that all of us here tonight, are the result of someone’s act of kindness. We all stand on the shoulders of good people who didn’t look away when we were in need.”
George, who is married to human rights barrister, Amal Clooney, has spoken out on numerous occasions about the importance of showing human compassion to those fleeing their war torn countries.
He was in Armenia this weekend as part of the Aurora Prize — an award held to recognise those who put themselves at risk to save the lives of others.
