UPDATE: On Tuesday, NYC approved plans to build an Islamic Mosque/Cultural Center only steps from Ground Zero. The current site, which has been used by Muslim groups for years, was originally thought to be an historic landmark. But officials gave permission to demolish that building in order to erect a more modern and taller structure.
The Cordoba House is an Islamic community center operating right at the footsteps of Ground Zero in New York City. The Cordoba House wants to build a mosque and 13-story community center on the site (called Park51) to host not only religious services, but also educational classes, exercise programs, and a swimming pool. But not everyone is thrilled with Cordoba’s plans, with an incredible firestorm of criticism growing among the community, Muslim leaders and 9/11 families.
Critics say building a mosque less than 600 feet from where the World Trade Center once stood, would be a terrible slap in the face to the memory of all those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which was conducted by Islamic extremists. They say that Muslims traditionally build a religious structure (such as a mosque) directly on or near the location where they’ve been successful in an attack, as a tribute to the Muslim martyrs who died in battle.
But supporters say the mosque is a gesture to bridge the gap between Muslims and the community, particularly since many Americans are still very skeptical about all Muslims. Cordoba House representatives add that they are not the ones who were responsible for the 9/11 terrorism and that Muslim’s also died in the attack that day too. They also say that the location has already been used as a place of prayer for many years, so building a better and more modern facility for the same purposes should not be considered a bad thing.
Who’s right?
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Was 9/11 carried out by Islamic terrorists? Yes. But by all accounts, the people behind Cordoba House have “NO connection” to terrorism AT ALL. And yet, they must bear the burden of being perceived as such by virtue of their religious association_I don't get it???What if the 9/11 terrorists had been radical Christians? Would a “Christian” group desiring to build a Church and community center near Ground Zero face such scorn and public outcry? Would Ground Zero be deemed too “sacred” for such a thing? The answer is _NO. What if the 9/11 terrorists had been radical Jews? Would Ground Zero be too “sacred” for a Synagogue and community Center? Again, the answer is _NO. But the evil actions of a few radical Muslim terrorists are an indictment of ALL Muslims??? Like I said, I don’t get it? Oh wait, yes I do… And as a “Christian,” I have to… Read more »