When the World Trade Towers were struck by the two aircraft on September 11, 2001, the landing gear from one of the them crashed into a nearby warehouse owned by Burlington Coats. The building was closed as a result but it has been put into service since then in an unusual way. It was purchased and is now used as a mosque, or at least the overflow from another New York City mosque.
The location is intentional on the part of the imam who preaches tolerance and interfaith understanding. "We want to push back against the extremists,” says Imam Feisal, 61. He has reached out to Jewish and Christian leaders who support his initiative.
Because some might interpret the presence of an Islamic place of prayer so close to Ground Zero as provocative there are no outward indications that this is a mosque, but there is a presence.
What do you think about this story? I figure religion is at it's worst when it calls for intolerance and at its best when it builds bridges of understanding and compassion. Do you think the presence of this place of prayer is insensitive?
I don't think it was the religion that was responsible for Sept. 11 but rather terrorists who abuse the religion. I think its important to make that distinction. I think it is a sensitive issue to have a presence so close to the site, however it is probably noble and brave of these people to attempt to "push back against the extremists" while they themselves are vulnerable to backlash from those who won't see their effort for what it is.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that I felt a pause, then the need to qualify the noblity and bravery with 'probably'. It does seem like one of those situations that hinge on a hair trigger. It is such a suspicious world we live in now.
I suppose that even those of us of relative good will are still somewhat tentative about the motives of some Muslims. It is undeniable that for extremists there is the intention of creating mayhem and destruction. It's why I try to bring to light some of the other stories. Thanks.
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