Ground Zero mosque wins vital backing

A PLAN to build a mosque near the site of New York’s September 11 attacks has won vital backing from the city.

The community board has voted to support the plan despite fierce opposition.

Protesters jeered at speakers and yelled comments such as: “You’re building over a Christian cemetery!” while holding signs that read: “Show respect for 3,000,” referring to those killed in the attacks.

Many said they were not opposed to a mosque, just not next to Ground Zero.

The families of September 11 victims “would be wounded by erecting a mega mosque so close to the place where their loved ones were massacred”, said Viviana Hernandez, a chaplain. “Even though they may have altruistic reasons, the real terrorists will see it as a win on their side.”

Conservative tea party activist Mark Williams has called the proposed centre a monument to the attacks.

The organisations sponsoring the project said they are trying to establish a vibrant and inclusive world class facility.

Plans for the Cordoba House include a performing arts centre, swimming pool, culinary school, childcare facilities and worship space.

It will provide 150 full-time jobs, 500 part-time jobs and more than $100 million (€82m) investment in infrastructure in the city’s financial district, according to Daisy Khan, spokeswoman for Cordoba House.

Her husband, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, executive director of the Cordoba Initiative, one of the project’s sponsors, said he understood the pain that people have about 9/11. But he said his community and congregation were among those that died in the attacks.

“We have condemned the terror of 9/11,” he said. “We have worked to ensure that our mosques are not recruiting grounds for terrorists.”

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said that by supporting the multi- faith community and cultural centre, the board “sent a clear message that our city is one that promotes diversity and tolerance”.

Stringer has defended his position and denounced offensive speech directed at him or at Muslims. He said before the vote he understood the sensitivities of the families of victims.

“I don’t think anybody wants to do anything to disrespect those families. They made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “At the same time, we have to balance diversity and look for opportunities to bring different groups together.”

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said there were no security concerns about building a mosque in the area.

The American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative have said they bought the building in 2009 and plan to break ground later this year. It could take up to three years to build Cordoba House.