It was disappointing to read “A Mosque Near Ground Zero,” (Editorial, July 30). How could The Jewish Week not take a stand on this crucial issue?
Instead you say, “Americans’ reaction to the planned Cordoba House will show which vision we embrace.” You imply that we should accept Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf as a moderate because there’s a dearth of moderate Muslims. Why should we accept him if we are “uncomfortable with some of his views”?
How about we raise the bar higher? If this imam has the intent to do “public penance” then why does he not speak out forcefully against Hamas? We must insist on an answer to where the $100 million to fund the center is coming from. It is correct to encourage “members of faith who may be genuinely embarrassed about evil committed by people of their religion.”
But why must this monument be built so close to where Muslim terrorists killed thousands of innocent people? This would be the height of insensitivity. Let’s not be afraid to look at history. It is well known that Muslims put up mosques as monuments over their areas of conquest. Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser says, “American Muslims will be better served if this project were built further away from Ground Zero and focuses on leading a reform effort. If we help build anything at the WTC site itself, it should be timeless memorials to all those who lost their lives on 9/11.” Let us heed the words of this true moderate Muslim.
Brookline, Mass.
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