The Mosque On American Sacred Ground
Islam at ground zero
Herbert London
September 11 lives for downtown residents of New York. The World Trade Center site is a constant reminder of human malevolence. It also speaks to political incompetence, of politicians compromised by double dealing and arrogance.
While the site shows signs of rebirth and a tribute will be built to remind Americans of the 2800 innocent people who lost their lives one crystal clear morning in September, an insult deep and penetrating is being launched two blocks away on Park Place with the building of a mosque that will overlook the World Trade Center site.
Mayor Bloomberg and the Downtown Community Board (by a vote of 29 to 1) approved of this religious center citing freedom of religion arguments. What they overlook, however, is far more persuasive then First Amendment defenses.
Freedom of religion like any freedom is not absolute; freedom is defined by limitations. Indians are not free to use peyote indiscriminately in religious services since drug use violates the law of the land. And religion that promotes hate or is an incitement to violence should be and can be curbed.
In the case of the downtown mosque several questions remain unanswered. If a mosque can be built anywhere, why is it being constructed adjacent to the former World Trade Center? Although denials abound, the title of the mosque, Cordoba House reveals a great deal. In Cordoba, Muslims built a mosque on a Catholic church as a symbol of their triumph in Spain. That symbolism may be evident at the New York site as well.
It is also instructive that the provenance of the $100 million for the project remains unknown. My guess – based on many global examples – is that Saudi petro dollars are behind the underwriting. If true, this mosque is likely to promote Wahhabist beliefs – the most radical brand of Islam.
The promoters of the mosque contend they are Americans who love their country and eschew violence of any kind. Yet they refuse to condemn Hamas and refuse to recognize it as a terrorist organization.
What this episode demonstrates is a form of liberal myopia, an unwillingness to recognize the optics in this situation. For Muslims around the world who deplore the West, specifically the “Great U.S. Demon,” this mosque is the symbol of victory. It shows that America doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to resist its enemies. It is as if a Shinto temple were to be constructed at the Arizona Memorial or a Nazi cultural center were built at Auschwitz. There are lines to be drawn on the matter of taste, patriotism and appropriateness that transcend reflexive adherence to the First Amendment.
As far as I know, no one is arguing against the construction of mosques albeit when a religion promotes hate against other faiths, believes apostates and other believers are less than human, argues against the separation of church and state, and is eager to undermine the Constitution, an argument can be made that this religion engages in sedition and should be banned or, at least, censured.
At this point, the pols have spoken. The mosque most likely will be built. But for those of us who reside downtown that building will not be an expression of tolerance, but rather a wound on the city and the nation. It will represent despair; it will serve as a permanent insult to those New Yorkers who lost their lives a decade ago.
In the midst of sacred territory there will be a constant reminder that those who despise our way of life and everything this republic stands for can use our hard fought liberties to desecrate this land. No matter what Bloomberg says, this is what New Yorkers will be reminded of whenever they pass the mosque on Park Place. As significantly, this is also what radical Muslims will see whenever television cameras pan to this religious edifice. What a shame; alas, what a disgrace.
Herbert London is president of Hudson Institute and professor emeritus of New York University. He is the author of Decade of Denial (Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 2001) and America’s Secular Challenge (Encounter Books).
Posted by Herbert London
on July 30 2010. Filed under Op-Ed.
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[...] The Mosque On American Sacred Ground | Faithfreedom.org [...]
A religious center celebrating all religions should be built at this place.
Day and night prayer groups belonging to all religions of victims of 9/11 can chant their prayers. Wahabis, Shias, Sunnis, Sufis,Ahmadis etc. are most welcome to join Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Shinto,Hindu, native indian prayers. After all 9/11 victims did not belong to just one religion.
This gesture I will call real tolerance, real secularism, real liberalism, real political correctness.
This prayer hall should be funded by relatives of 9/11 victims only.True shrine dedicated to world peace. This is the cause mayor of N,Y, city can embrace without upsetting anyone.
[...] The Mosque On American Sacred Ground | Faithfreedom.org [...]
@Idesigner
The idea of a general prayer hall sounds good. Interesting to see what mohamhead's muslims will think about it. I bet the very idea of a general prayer hall is making the pig mo ham head turn in his grave.
[...] The Mosque On American Sacred Ground | Faithfreedom.org [...]
Why should there be any religious symbol built at these sites which were devastated by rabid fundamentalists belonging to the ‘religion of PIECE’.
The future generations should be told clearly what hate mongers like Al-qaeda, Taliban have done to the world and to their own people in many islamic countries.
These sites should be let to stand the way they are, as a reminder of what ignorance can do to civil society – Ignorance and negligence on the part of authorities, and blind following of a hate propagating religion.
King Abdullah MosqueFriendly to Foreigners…
Marhaba, Since yesterday was around 106 degrees I decided to stay cool in the hostel, but even that was hard to do! Naturally, I did not travel anywhere yesterday in the heat, but this day before class (Sunday is a school day) I fed my surprising earl….
Any Islamic structure built in America by Muslims to commemorate the Nine eleven Islamic sneak attack will be seen as a display of Islamic dominance over America, by most non Muslim Americans.
If the pious Muslims really cared about an act of contrition and true repentance for the vile acts of the zealous Muslims that were responsible for the September 11, 2001 sneak attacks on America perhaps suitable arrangements can be made.
A mutual exchange of privileges reference the building of religious structures can benefit all, and must not be one sided
Let a suitable Christian Church, a Jewish Synagogue and other religion’s temple and places of worship be built on or near the Mecca and Medina Islamic sites. Surely this would be seen a true act of conciliation and humanistic cohesion.
Chiulo-Ruiz: "…seen as a display of Islamic dominance over America, by most non Muslim Americans".
Actually, I think not. Most non-Muslim Americans probably won't think that, since I suspect that most non-Muslim Americans are still brain-washed as to the nature of "the religion of peace".
That's not rally their fault either – the media is dis-inclined to criticism of Islam, (most) politicians and other influential people trot out the ready apologia when required too.
What I do think is that most american Moslems will see it as a sign of Islamic dominance, whilst simultaneously claiming it isn't.
"Actually, I think not. Most non-Muslim Americans probably won’t think that, since I suspect that most non-Muslim Americans are still brain-washed as to the nature of “the religion of peace”.
That’s not rally their fault either – the media is dis-inclined to criticism of Islam, (most) politicians and other influential people trot out the ready apologia when required too."
Would that I could deny that part. Non Muslim Americans have to be educated through the "school of hard knocks". While this a painful and wasteful way, most Americans will react when being crisis driven. The Media and some politicians are a lost cause and should not be relied on at all.
"What I do think is that most american Moslems will see it as a sign of Islamic dominance, whilst simultaneously claiming it isn’t".
Yes more Islamic Taqiyyah, sad however that is correct and exactly so and well stated.
The hipocracy, not to mention outright violation of our first amendment, shown here is hard to believe. The first amendment gaurantees freedom of religiojn, EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE the religion. Even if you are sure that some of the people of that religion don't like you. And need I remind you that we don't have a "pre-crime" law here – you can't convict people and subjugate their rights because you think they'll try to harm you.
Its so surprising, although I guess is shouldn't be, that the staunch "defenders" of the constitutuion suddenly get weak bladders when said document applies to Muslim Americans.
I don't care what they think the Cordoba hosue means or doesn't mean, or what fantasies they may or may not about dominating America.
If the political right is so weak and afraid of what other people think that they you to deny first amendment rights to people, then let's move on to your first amendment rights – I don't want a Christian praying within 2 blocks of my house. Because its an insult to ME!
@wds: You said "I don't want a Christian praying within 2 blocks of my house". Well and good. Then, why don't you pack your bags and go and live peacefully in an Islamic country? No one forced you to come and live in a predominantly Christian country and start making such demands! When will the Muslims learn to respect the sensitivities of people of other religions? When they talk about freedom of religion, what kind of freedom they offer to non-muslims in their Islamic countries? Can you answer this?
“ I don’t want a Christian praying within 2 blocks of my house. Because its an insult to ME! “
ahahaha, does that all mean no Christian Churches, Jewish Synagogues and other religion’s temple and places of worship being built on or near the Mecca and Medina Islamic sites.
wds say:
The hipocracy, not to mention outright violation of our first amendment, shown here is hard to believe. The first amendment gaurantees freedom of religiojn, EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIKE the religion.
I say:
How is trying to prohibit the building of a Mega Mosque on sacred ground a violation of the first amendment? We are not saying Muslims cannot build a huge Mosque in NYC, we are saying Muslims cannot built on that particular site because it is sacred ground. They can built a huge Mosque anywhere they want but not near the WTC because it is sacred ground. Because the source of the funding for the Mosque is suspicious. The Muslim community in NYC is not that wealthy to raise the money from their congregation to pay for the building and construction of the Mega Mosque. Where did they get the funding from? On top of the it is believed the father of the guy who is the head of the project was affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the guy who heads the project has stated himself that it was Jews who were behind 9/11.
Let me respond:
to ayodhyarama: I am just pointing out the hipocracy of trying to prohibit a religious institution within some random radius. I am a jewish American and I believe very strongly in everyone's constitutional right to practice religion freely, anywhere in our great country. Including Muslims.
to Chiulo-Ruiz: Again, I am just pointing out the hipocracy of trying to prohibit a religious institution within some random radius. I don't care what is done in other countries, in our country, a religious institution shouldn't be prohibited from locating somewhere just because it is considered in poor taste to be so close to the World Trade center site.
to Marie: You said "How is trying to prohibit the building of a Mega Mosque on sacred ground a violation of the first amendment? We are not saying Muslims cannot build a huge Mosque in NYC, we are saying Muslims cannot built on that particular site because it is sacred ground."
This is only your opinion and there is no legal basis for establishing a "comfort zone" radius within a certain distance of the WTC. Its an entirely random, judgemental distance. There is already a Mosque 5 blocks from the WTC, is that too close? Too bad, because you can't shut it down.
I don't care if the Muslims establishing this building think they are thumbing their nose at the US, its immaterial. I think what is absolutely critical is that the US upholds its own constitution, which REQUIRES that ever American has freedom of religion, and I also think its critically important that we not convict the people who would use this Mosque of some crime that they have not committed.
wds
This is only your opinion and there is no legal basis for establishing a “comfort zone” radius within a certain distance of the WTC. Its an entirely random, judgemental distance. There is already a Mosque 5 blocks from the WTC, is that too close? Too bad, because you can’t shut it down.
I don’t care if the Muslims establishing this building think they are thumbing their nose at the US, its immaterial. I think what is absolutely critical is that the US upholds its own constitution, which REQUIRES that ever American has freedom of religion, and I also think its critically important that we not convict the people who would use this Mosque of some crime that they have not committed.
I say:
I will ask again how is prohibiting them from building a Mega Mosque near WTC ( when they have a choice of building it in other areas of downtown Manhatten ) a violation of the First Amendment. Also there are 200 Mosque's in New York. So how is protesting the construction of a Mega Mosque near WTC a violation of the First Amendment because it is obvious New Yorkers have no problems with Muslims establishing a place of worship?
Yes it does matter if the Muslims building the Mosque thumb their nose at the U.S. because the First Amendment does not give them the right to insult the people who welcomed them in to this country and gave them religious freedom. The First Amendment does not give them the right to dishonor the dead whose remains are in that building.
Hypocrisy is of the Muslims to allow no Christian Church, Synagogue or other religion’s temple at, on or near the site of Mecca and Medina. In fact are not kafirs prevented from even going to Mecca, is that not hypocrisy from the so-called religion of “Peace” also.
It is rather difficult to believe that you do not care what is done in other countries. I believe you do care. Let us test that spirit in reference to other religious institution as you say.
Let us suppose that it is now in your power alone to grant the building of a Christian Church and a Jewish Synagogue at Mecca, do you say yes or no to the buildings as and of such?
This requires no explanation as to the why or where for, although you can provide that, just a simple yes or no will suffice. As most pious Muslims do, you will avoid answering this straight forward question that is now theoretically in your power to grant or deny. Prove me wrong,
Yes or No!
Marie says: how is prohibiting them from building a Mega Mosque near WTC ( when they have a choice of building it in other areas of downtown Manhatten ) a violation of the First Amendment.
Legally, you cannot deny a group a building permit simply because you do not approve of the religious use of a building that's "too close" to the former world trade center towers. The claim of "sacred ground" has a smidge of basis in legality, but "two blocks from sacred ground" does not, at all. And saying that "they can pray somewhere else" also isn't legal grounds. That's like telling black people they can just as well use the toilet in the basement of a public building, rather than the ones that white people get to use. You just can't tell people what they can or can't do with their property in this country because you don't care for them. Ask a judge.
Chiulo-Ruiz I do not know anhything about the laws or rules in other countries – but this mosque is proposed in this country, and I do know the laws here very well. That's why I have no comment about what can or can't be built in another country. We're not discussing another country. The WTC site is in this country.
ahahaha,
Just as I thought, avoidance, not really talking laws, only theory and your opinion on what was posed.
Typical Muslim taqiyyah and stealth Jihad!
The WTC site still exists, however the World Trade Center buildings no longer exists, can you say why that is!
Wds: “….I am a jewish American…”
Are you sure you are jewish?, didn’t islam try to wipe out jewish?
August 3, 2010 at 6:36 pm “ I am a jewish American and I believe very strongly in everyone’s constitutional right to practice religion freely, anywhere in our great country. Including Muslims.”
Quran 3:67 Abraham was not a Jew or a Christian but he was upright, a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists.
Quran 9:34 O you who believe! Yes! Many of the rabbis and the monks devour the wealth of mankind wantonly and block others from the way to Allah. They who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah, unto them give tidings of a painful doom,
Quran 5:51 O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
You are quite liberal for a Jewish American, either that or you are a liar. You sound like a stealth jihad Muslim, wds.
Quran 51:10-11 Cursed be the liars, that make clumsy mistakes in neglectful ignorance;
I don't care if the Muslims sole stated purpose is exterminate all jews. The KKK has a similar philosophy. I don't necessarily like or agree with Muslim scripture, just as I don't abide by the Christian idea that I need to go to Israel so that they can all go to Heaven when Jesus returns. Whatever, its all a bunch of grabge to me. But I can't curtail anyone's right to believe whatever they want to believe, and in this country we cannot dictate where someone's house of worship goes just because we don't like what they are worshipping. Sorry.
And finally, Chiulo-Ruiz, we have our own constitution here, so the things that you refer to in other nations, of which I know nothing, are of no consequence. I only need to know what America's laws are. It's interesting to learn about what goes on in other countries, but it is not material to legally blocking the construction of a Mosque in New York City, which is in the US.
Oh and yes, I must add, since you noted this, I am a liberal, reform jew, and a patriotic American.
@wds:
To me, you sound like Mayor Bloomberg's spokesperson. Some people learn when others advise them, some people learn by others' experiences thru' History or by watching them, some people learn by their own experiences and some people will never ever learn by denying every thing. It seems like you belong to the last category and only God can help such people. Americans need to learn from what happened to India and what is happening in UK and Europe and what is being preached in the mosques. Centuries ago, Asian Indians also felt the same way the Americans like you are feeling now. We even went one step further as per our scriptures "Atithi Devo Bhava", every Tom Dick and Harry entering our country was an atithi (guest) and Indians treated every one with great respect and honor without knowing their actual intentions. In the process of such appeasement, India lost her own honor, wealth, land and what not! Every thing was looted and destroyed and only the ruins remain now. If History is not enough evidence, Americans should learn from Wikileaks and what is happening in Kashmir today. American laws need to be amended if the country's security is at stake.
Wds, Its not about who their whorshiping, I would be glad if muslim worshipping my small penis, but its goal of implementing sharia law worldwide, obviously you not patriotic american as you don’t care with their idea changing constitution with sharia law, ….silly me, why would you care about constitution anyway if you don’t even care with your own people (Jewish) that these muslim after.
There are two problems here: 1. the obama governemnt have sold out the american people, they have made a statement " we the american a great nation, have welcomed the bombings of our heritage and we are now making a monument for the terrorist activists, in effect they are now matyrs in the amarican eyes". The american peopel were advised that they have a enemy within and it is curled and waiting to take up the struggle, is that serpent the obama government helping the arabs take over us in very bold yet subtle way. This must be the oil barrens ideal dream, lets build a mosque on this site and show the arabs we ore ok with the bombings, just send me more oil.
2. The amreican people should immediately campaing for a new government and new york council because they do not listen to the people. this is not democracy at work it is money, did you see any poor muslims from africa and pakistan there making a noise for the mosque or did you see arab people. The american people owe it unto themselves to get rid of this serpent that is making america a joke among the muslim world. Lets take action now to change the building of a mosque any where near the city.
The arabs must be laughing, mohamed must be proud his word has finally struck the infidels of the west and Islam will be the biggest religion in the us. in 30 years time who do you think the president will be, bin ladin JR 12.
Remarkable and unbelievable, however you are entitled to your opinions, no matter how perverse.
August 4, 2010 at 1:26 pm “I don’t care if the Muslims sole stated purpose is exterminate all jews”.- wds
:
August 4, 2010 at 1:28 pm “Oh and yes, I must add, since you noted this, I am a liberal, reform jew, and a patriotic American”.- wds
Ahahaa, a liberal reformed Jew that will lay down his life and be exterminated just for Islam’s right to do so, to all the Jews including yourself. Would that be honorable, it does speak as to a lack of the self preservation principles.
Sahih Muslim Book 41, Number 6985: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews.
Do not under circumstances hide behind any trees and rocks, the pious Muslims have already been programmed to look there. Maybe the Gharqad (Boxthorn) tree can help, ahaha.
Your rhetoric still sounds just like a pious stealth jihad Islamist Muslim, and the fact as you stated that you will let yourself and all the Jews be exterminated speak volumes.
Shalom and מזל טוב
wds
Legally, you cannot deny a group a building permit simply because you do not approve of the religious use of a building that’s “too close” to the former world trade center towers.
I say:
We are not denying them the right to use the building based on religion, it's the location that is an issue.
wds says:
That’s like telling black people they can just as well use the toilet in the basement of a public building, rather than the ones that white people get to use.
I say:
We are not talking about segregation.
wds:
You just can’t tell people what they can or can’t do with their property in this country because you don’t care for them.
I say:
Who says we don't care for them? If we didn't care for Muslims then there would not be 200 Mosques in New York.