In order to achieve its genocidal ambitions, totalitarianism constantly strives to strip us of our humanity. Yet, it is easy to lose our compassion, worn down by repeated harassment: I might even wish that the next blows would fall on someone else rather than me. Augustine urges us to do the same: above all, we must not become desensitized. Christ lived through his trials with his full sensitivity.

Traditionally, and throughout humanity, there have been places where everyone could take refuge in a "neutral" zone of conflict, in protection, sheltered. With or without papers, with or without money, innocent or criminal, destitute, beggar, handicapped, old, whoever you are, whatever you have done, you could be welcomed and safe there.