There was a chorus of both congratulation and outrage when the news broke that the winner of $1 million in the French lottery was a Syrian refugee. While many welcomed the story as a snippet of uplifting news at a time when refugees are often persecuted in Europe, others were not so happy.
The 30-year-old actually received his money last June, however the news of his win only broke to the public last week. He has been living in France since 2011 after fleeing his home country—where he was a businessman—because of the conflict. According to reports, he has bought an apartment and plans to open a restaurant and improve his French.
This is not the first time a refugee has won the lottery, with a Senegalese migrant who had survived a sinking ship winning nearly half a million dollars last month in a Christmas draw.
These heartwarming stories are often shared on social media with messages of congratulations, however there are those whose Islamophobia and jealousy appears to blind their compassion.
See some varied reactions below, via Twitter.
A bit of Good News. Syrian Refugee wins a million euros in French Lottery. Excellent. Someone Winning that Defo Deserves It.
— The Docterr (@docuterror) January 16, 2016@MailOnline I can't believe that aid money is being spent on lottery tickets...obviously too generous.
— James M (@CambridgeJames) January 16, 2016@MailOnline Confiscate the money and kick him out of the country !
— MyOpinion (@MyOpin1on) January 16, 2016@MailOnline I'm a serious skeptic. They should do a back ground check on the winner so that money doesn't end up funding terror#becareful
— Wede Thompson (@LordWede) January 16, 2016
