We regard freedom of religion as a cornerstone of the American democracy, and that freedom must include the right of all Americans – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths – to build community centers and houses of worship.
We categorically reject appeals to bigotry on the basis of religion, and condemn those whose opposition to this proposed Islamic Center is a manifestation of such bigotry.
However, there are understandably strong passions and keen sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center site. We are ever mindful of the tragedy which befell our nation there, the pain we all still feel – and especially the anguish of the families and friends of those who were killed on September 11, 2001.
The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found.
In recommending that a different location be found for the Islamic Center, we are mindful that some legitimate questions have been raised about who is providing the funding to build it, and what connections, if any, its leaders might have with groups whose ideologies stand in contradiction to our shared values. These questions deserve a response, and we hope those backing the project will be transparent and forthcoming. But regardless of how they respond, the issue at stake is a broader one.
Proponents of the Islamic Center may have every right to build at this site, and may even have chosen the site to send a positive message about Islam. The bigotry some have expressed in attacking them is unfair, and wrong. But ultimately this is not a question of rights, but a question of what is right. In our judgment, building an Islamic Center in the shadow of the World Trade Center will cause some victims more pain – unnecessarily – and that is not right.
1 comment:
Nothing have changed of the ADL stand against building the Islamic Center close to the Ground Zero! ADL is trying to dance with the words and they did not bring anything new. ADL is standing by the same arguments as what the people with hidden political and hate agendas are using to opposed the building saying: For the pain, for the healing, for and for...These are all unfounded statements and rhetoric designed to hide the real reason of promoting hate and intolerance against anything related to Islam and Muslims. I found two mainorganizations that have lost all credibility and trust: the Tea Party and the ADL. They have a vast past of bigotry and the American people are not stupid!
Hundreds of thousands have died in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Pakistan for the act of few terrorists that have nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam! Who will heal the pain came from their death! Among the three thousand who died in Ground Zero there where hundreds of Muslims; definitely building the Islamic Center and Mosque near Ground Zero will expedite the healing process. You are claiming that after 9 years Muslims around Ground Zero will keep the pain of the families who lost their loved one! This is non-sense talk fabricated by the ADL to create new pain. And that is definitely not acceptable!
Sofian Abdelaziz Zakkout
Director, AMANA, American Muslim Association of North America
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