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So much for religious tolerance.

The Anti-Defamation League has joined the likes of Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Rick Lazio, and a slew of other Conservative protesters in standing against the building of a mosque in the vicinity of the World Trade Center site.

In a statement issued by the Jewish organization, the group claims that while "proponents of the Islamic Center may have every right to build at this site, and may even have chosen the site to send a positive message about Islam," it is ultimately "not a question of rights, but a question of what is right."

Moreover, despite "the bigotry some have expressed in attacking" those behind the building of the mosque (which the ADL deems "unfair" and "wrong"), it is their judgment that "building an Islamic Center in the shadow of the World Trade Center will cause some victims more pain - unnecessarily - and that is not right."

While the ADL rarely shies away from controversy, news of their opposition left many journalists and pundits stunned.

As Tablet's Marc Tracy puts it:

Founded in 1913, the ADL, in its words, "fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all." Except when it does the precise opposite.

Read on for the full release:

We regard freedom of religion as a cornerstone of the American democracy, and that freedom must include the right of all Americans - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths - to build community centers and houses of worship.

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We categorically reject appeals to bigotry on the basis of religion, and condemn those whose opposition to this proposed Islamic Center is a manifestation of such bigotry.

However, there are understandably strong passions and keen sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center site. We are ever mindful of the tragedy which befell our nation there, the pain we all still feel - and especially the anguish of the families and friends of those who were killed on September 11, 2001.

The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found.

In recommending that a different location be found for the Islamic Center, we are mindful that some legitimate questions have been raised about who is providing the funding to build it, and what connections, if any, its leaders might have with groups whose ideologies stand in contradiction to our shared values. These questions deserve a response, and we hope those backing the project will be transparent and forthcoming. But regardless of how they respond, the issue at stake is a broader one.

Proponents of the Islamic Center may have every right to build at this site, and may even have chosen the site to send a positive message about Islam. The bigotry some have expressed in attacking them is unfair, and wrong. But ultimately this is not a question of rights, but a question of what is right. In our judgment, building an Islamic Center in the shadow of the World Trade Center will cause some victims more pain - unnecessarily - and that is not right.

Know something we don't? E-mail us at [e-mail]

Comments

[x88justy]

The Anti-Defamation League is a hate group.

[XRedcometX]

The problem with saying this situation is one of "common sense" is that this is in no way common sense. Common sense pertains to things like eating when you're hungry, and Arrested Development being the best comedy series ever produced.

I understand that people are unhappy this is being built, that people are "sensitive." However, I think individuals protests this building should state that they themselves feel sensitive about the Mosque instead of appealing to generalizations. Instead of saying "the families who have lost loved ones during 9/11 wouldn't approve of this" these protesters should instead say "I feel sensitive about Muslims Americans building a place of worship near Ground Zero." The former sounds legitimate but is specious while the latter is the actual truth.

The first statement sounds innocuous but it implies a variety of incorrect views. By saying that this is a "common moral sense" issue, you are implying that all Mosques are associated with terrorism AND that you agree that having a view supporting this belief is both common and understandable. It is not. Associating mosques and the religion of Islam implicitly with 9/11 and terrorism is something that needs to be eradicated completely. Just as this country is continuing to extinguish those associations between African Americans with crime and drug use. Yes, many impoverished minorities do commit crime and use drugs but you CANNOT implicitly associate the two. That is bigotry and that is exactly what protesters like the ADL support.

[XRedcometX]

I've seen someone compare this to building a Nazi museum near every concentration camp. First, nothing in human history has ever compared to such a horrific and deplorable event as the Holocaust and comparing anything to it would be cheapening the suffering the Third Reich caused. Second, a Mosque is not a place remembering and celebrating terrorism. If I were to use such an inappropriate simile this Mosque is akin to building a German history museum near a concentration camp. Germany as a country does not support Nazi-ism and when touching on that history would condemn with the most passionate ardor that such events were the most inexcusable and atrocious. Neither the Mosque in question nor the leadership associated with it (contrary to rags the New York Post publishes) support terrorism but denounce it just as every responsible Mosque should.

In conclusion, everyone who is against this Mosque and claims that while Muslims have a "right" to build near Ground Zero, "common moral sense" compels them not to, is a bigot. There is no use that affirming that you support the rights of religion and the American people when it is so clear that you do not.

[fightandorflight]

Getting the sneaky suspicion that this facility is perhaps an utter exploitation of the freedoms offerred in the U.S. - that maybe we're getting our noses rubbed in something smelly. It is rather impossible to prove or disprove motive in this case. It is legitimate to express concern and even protest this moving forward, but ultimately the law allows this project to move forward and so it shall be. But it sure stings.

[SuperFlyPunjab]

Sounds a little like guilty until proven innocent. In my estimation, what really stinks is that we have these high minded ideals like respect religions and peoples but, when it really counts, so often we fall short in the most disappointing way.

Its no suprise that this is difficult for the families of 9/11 victims and Americans in general, but we could have handled this better than hate speech and ignorant accusations (as even you admit).

[LucidPanther]

Seems like the ADL is a bit choosy about who it defends against bigotry...It's ok with the ADL to discriminate and persecute Arabs and Muslims.

But let someone simply say the slightest word in criticism against the a State of Israel and they will be all over it screaming "anti-semitism"!

[Ernie Lijoi]

"not a question of rights, but a question of what is right."

Uhm.. no. It's a question of _rights_. Something your group supposedly is there to uphold. And now you're reduced yourself to what you've been fighting all these years... racist ignorant hate mongers. Congrats. You've seen the last of my donations.

[beerent]

Don't we have religious freedom in America? I'm an atheist but I believe people should be able to practice the religion of their choice. The ADL's mission statement is below. This position seems to go against their stated purpose.

"The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens."

[Steven Halstien]

Exactly. I, too, choose to stand at the sidelines of organized religion and observe the competition. They ALL have a right to practice on American soil, wherever they so choose. Isn't that the very reason our country IS supposed to be the greatest for all of its citizens?

[Vanessa Belle]

Where has the mainstream media been on these protests? It seems that they are staying clear of covering this issue for some reason?

This is a matter that deserves attention unlike the ridiculous amount of time the media has spent covering an issue that doesn't affect anyone at all such as Lindsay Lohan.

[Steven Halstien]

Blasphemy!

[Laws456]

Why is this issue getting so many people's panties in a bunch? People are so easily misguided, and manipulated by emotions that it's really a shame. A mosque near ground zero will cause the victims of 9/11 pain? You can't be serious....If it was a Church there wouldn't be a problem, same goes for a Synagogue. Stop being so narrow minded people.

[Spazzznyc]

What the ADL should be doing is signing up young American Jews to fight in the United States military. Our soldiers on the ground have served numerous tours of duty, their families back home suffering both financially and emotionally. If our war on terror is really about bringing peace to the Middle East and stability to the region, the opportunity is there for American Jews to serve their country in a very positive way.

[Cihangir]

I guess I didn't get the memo. I thought US soldiers were dying for the rights of Muslims and everybody else in this country.

[Steven Halstien]

And aren't we leading them to salvation by bombing Afghanistan? We're HELPING them restructure their country. By bombing them. It's just too complicated. We couldn't possibly understand.

[kewl2713]

This comment is pending approval and won't be displayed until it is approved.

This is what happens when 99% of the American population has not had to make a single sacrifice related to this war. Spoiled and pampered, uninformed and immature. Hey people, hello McFly, there's a war going on. Every day, good people of Muslim faith shoot our soldiers with the intention of killing them. Morally, I'll make no judgement about who's right or who's wrong in this war. What I do know is that at this present time, it is Muslims, not HIndus, not Jew, not Buddhists, but Muslims trying to kill Americans, in many parts of the world. Why in God's name would you build a mosque on the very site where Muslims in the name of Al la h slaughtered thousands of Americans. Anyone of you saying this - how about you go to your local military recruiting office, sign up, fly down to any Muslim run country of your choice, on the American taxpayer's dime, take a stroll down the boulevard, put on your best smile and wave to the ppl. Then come back and let us know how it worked out. Sometimes I cannot abide the stu pid ity. I am a lifelong Dem, I bear hatred to no man, but I understand that we are at war. Hey, I got an idea - how about NO religious edifice at the site. Maybe we just leave

[Laws456]

Most Muslims who do kill Americans throughout the world are doing so in defense of themselves. There is a small faction of fundamentalists worldwide who want to harm Americans, but you have to ask yourself why this is so.

[kewl2713]

Whatever the reasons, I have to remain loyal to America first. Otherwise, I should renounce my citizenship. I can lobby changes to our foreign policy and I can vote for leaders who support changing that policy. But I cannot offer aid and comfort to enemies of America.

[Eris23]

"Why in God's name would you build a mosque on the very site where Muslims in the name of Al la h slaughtered thousands of Americans."

Because if it has bigots like you upset, it's probably the right idea.

[Steven Halstien]

Christians have all been peace-loving angels over the course of their history... Oh, so have all of you lifelong Democrats. There are so many black kettles, where do you start?

[kewl2713]

This is what happens when 99% of the American population has not had to make a single sacrifice related to this war. Spoiled and pampered, uninformed and immature. Hey people, hello McFly, there's a war going on. Every day, good people of Muslim faith shoot our soldiers with the intention of killing them. Morally, I'll make no judgement about who's right or who's wrong in this war. What I do know is that at this present time, it is Muslims, not HIndus, not Jew, not Buddhists, but Muslims trying to kill Americans, in many parts of the world. Why in God's name would you build a mosque on the very site where Muslims in the name of Allah slaughtered thousands of Americans. Anyone of you saying this - how about you go to your local military recruiting office, sign up, fly down to any Muslim run country of your choice, on the American taxpayer's dime, take a stroll down the boulevard, put on your best yankee smile and wave to the ppl. Then come back and let us know how it worked out. Sometimes I cannot abide the stupidity. I am a lifelong Dem, I bear hatred to no man, but I understand that we are at war. Hey, I got an idea - how about NO religious edifice at the site. Maybe we just leave religion out of it complete since those men who flew those planes into the building surely were acting on their faith.

[WolfieCA]

Oh yeah, one of those. A whole lot of spouting with no real intelligent point to make, and yet you simply must spout it.

Well let's fact check your little verbal sputum, shall we:

We are at war with an Organization, Al Qaeda. According to the simplistic ones we are at war on terror, but terror is a tactic. You can't fight a tactic, but you can fight an Organization.

We are not at war with Islam, or Muslim. We are ESPECIALLY NOT AT WAR with Muslim Americans, who are American citizens.

There are many Muslims in the American Military who are also getting shot at over there. You only go to prove yourself a fool when you act as if they don't exist.

The building is not a mosque it is a Community Center. It is not at ground zero, it is over two blocks away from ground zero.

The building has been purchased and you know, in America we don't just arbitrarily tell people they can't do things with their own property. Something about how the law is supposed to APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL AMERICANS, without bias. I know, maybe not in the America YOU would prefer, but here, that's the way we do things.

And quite frankly, I couldn't care less what you claim your party affiliation is. It doesn't magically make you anything other than what you appear.

[dylansfan]

Definitely Faved! Definitely fanned!!!!!!!!!!

[Caribbeana]

Fanned and Faved. That was eloquently put.

[kewl2713]

You're so full of venomous self righteousness that you cannot debate reasonably. Try it.

We are not a war with Islam. Never said we were. I said that people acting on religious beliefs, in this case, Muslims, attacked America in this particular location. The true reason for the attack may in fact be geo-political. But the men who killed themselves that day, flying their planes into the WTC did so in the name of their religion.

If that is not a mitigating factor in the decision about whether to build a mosque at the site, then I would have to conclude that you are perhaps not so much a critical thinker as you are an ideologue. Common sense rules.

[RickyJ]

Now this from Foxman,“Survivors of the Holocaust are entitled to feelings that are irrational,” he said. Referring to the loved ones of Sept. 11 victims, he said, “Their anguish entitles them to positions that others would categorize as irrational or bigoted.” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/nyregion/31mosque.html?scp=1&sq=mosque&st=cse

So he not only condones irrational and bigoted behavior, he wants it to rule in this situation. His argument is that same as that given by apologists for suicide bombers: "The Israeli occupation has caused their frustration and anger" or "Blowing up Times Square is a natural response to the cries of innocents who have be killed and maimed by American drones". Once you are OK with irrationality and bigotry, then anything goes.

[Annoula]

EXCELLENT POINT!

[nk5otr]

"They want to build a mosque near the site of the World Trade Center. If you put a mosque there, there's no way terrorists will blow it up. If I was in charge, I would put a mosque on top of every building in America." –Jimmy Kimmel

[Hontas Farmer]

Really? I don't think that'll work.

Pakistan mosque bomb kills dozens BBC ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8084851.stm )
Suicide bomb in Pakistan mosque kills about 50 (AFP) – Mar 27, 2009 ( http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCSF6qVFa_7kqFQ16ir89afx1roQ ) etc.
20 killed in Iran bombings Updated Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:05am AEST ( http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/16/2955175.htm )

The Pias de resistance.

CAIR questions silence on Florida mosque bombing ( http://arabnews.com/world/article53768.ece )

This is what the FBI had to say about the perpetrator ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRX4mlFi06A ). Seriously the scariest thing is that basically no one knows of the last one. No one was killed but so what?

[WheatonMA]

Except that extremists blow up mosques all the time...

[Steven Halstien]

And extremist Christians have had their hands on the detonators as well. Can we stop building churches now?!!

[Laughlines]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GAHFrLAxzM&feature=avmsc2