Islamic Community Center Ground Zero

We believe the ADL's decision to oppose the building of the Islamic Community Center near Ground Zero is wrong, and that it goes against the ADL's description of itself as an organization that fights "all forms of bigotry."

Efforts to prohibit the construction of Islamic centers and mosques undermine American principles and move us closer to a Europe where restrictions on religious liberty are the most common means of "dealing" with Islam.

These protests, diatribes, and campaigns against Park51, the proposed Muslim community center in lower Manhattan, violate the ideals of religious freedom to which our country has long aspired.

Imam Rauf spoke of using the model of the YMCA, which, decades ago, helped improve relationships between different Protestant Christians. Cordoba House will use the same community-building premise.