Charlotte, NC - Watching the images of horror flash across the screen Huda Rahim struggles to relate them to her children, “I feel like it's a reality that they have to know what's happening there."

Rahim is one of an estimated 10,000 Syrian-Americans in the Charlotte area. She was born in Syria, her husband's grandfather and uncles were killed by the Assad regime.

Rahim says it's vital her children understand the strife in their family's home country, “We show them the things that we see on TV and let them know that this is happening and our family is there and we need to pray for them."

Friday's massacre in Homs, Syria is the worst since the Syrian people began their push for freedom nearly a year ago. Well over 200 civilians were killed in their homes by the president's forces.

Syrian-American Council Charlotte Chapter President Mo Idlibby says, “The absolute worst form of terrorism is one in which a government who is supposed to serve, protect and defend its own people engages in murdering and killing its own people."

Idlibby and Charlotte's Syrian American Council are calling on President Obama and the Charlotte area's leaders to do more

Idlibby says, “We will not sit idly by and support you if you don't do something about this."

Idlibby says the US must press for humanitarian aid and diplomatic support for the Syrian people and their allies. He says the votes of 10,000 Syrian-Americans in Charlotte will depend on the action taken by elected leaders.

Back at the family home Rahim says the images from Syria have taught her children compassion for others.

She says, “It's really sad exposing kids to this kind of stuff. But it's an unfortunate reality of this world."

China & Russian blocked a UN call for Assad to step down. President Obama and others have condemned Assad's actions. The Syrian-American council wants more than just words.