Islamic Center being built near WTC site

It was recently announced that an Islamic Center is going to be built near the World Trade Center Cite. This has raised much controversy amongst not only New Yorkers but Americans as a whole. People are arguing that building any type of institution that is geared toward the Islamic faith is "insensitive" when in fact it is just the opposite; by creating such a center it would allow non-Muslims to potentially get to know Muslims better. This can be a building block for better relations between the Islamic world and the U.S.

I understand that it was Muslims who attacked us on September 11th so building a Mosque or Islamic center so close to the cite hits a sore spot in the lives of those effected by the tragedy. However, I must raise a key point. Does anyone not realize that there were Muslims who lost family and friends in the September 11th attacks too? Furthermore, isn't there already a Mosque in the immediate downtown area anyway? A third issue is this: there needs to be a point where people begin to heal and begin to accept. Now do not get me wrong....I am a huge supporter of the slogan "Never Forget 9/11". I am in NO WAY saying we should forget. However, we must learn to accept that not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Muslims support the radical ideologies of the men who executed the horrific plan set in motion by a lunatic know as Osama Bin Laden. People need to realize that Islam is actually a peaceful and humble religion. So by building this center it will allow for the Islamophobia that has run rampant in New York City to die down a bit (hopefully).

One other point that I must make is that during a meeting to discuss this proposal a woman stood up and said something to the effect of "we can not support these people as they worship their monkey God". UHHH hello?? Lady really? "Monkey God". That god's name is Allah. Allah translate to God. Islam is monotheistic religion just like Christanity. Muslims believe in the same God Christians do. The main difference between the two religions is that Muslims do not accept Jesus as the son of God. But just because they view Jesus as a prophet and not the son does not mean they should be called out like that and told they worship a "monkey God".

Furthermore, what is the big deal?? It is not being built right on the WTC cite. It is being built near it. It is a property up for purchase...just like any other. So why can't a Mosque be built there? Would the community say no if it was a church or synagogue?? Would they say no if it was a clothing store?? I highly doubt it.

I think it is time for America to realize that NOT all Muslims are bad. Every religion, race, ethnicity etc has its flaws. Islam is definitely one of them. However, America is not so perfect either. So we should do the American thing and embrace these people for the beautiful and mysterious unique culture and religion that they are!! Lets bridge the divide between Muslims and Non-Muslims! Come on America...we are strong versatile and resilient people- we can do this! This center/Mosque is just the thing to help bridge that gap!! By building the Mosque in the very area that was attacked, Muslims are being the braves one in fact. They are standing up and saying "we are proud of who we are" and "we will not let a handful of people deface the identity of a religion that is home to nearly two billion people". By building this mosque the Muslims are being the mature ones and saying here we are wanting to be a part of the community even after you guys pushed us away and wrote us off as "monkey God" worshipers.

I honestly hope this Mosque is approved so that Muslims in the downtown area can have a place to worship. I want this center to be approved too so people can see something I view as so peaceful and wonderful....the image of a man and his son praying side by side. A father teaching his son the beauty of religion and how great it can impact his life for the good. May Allah bless America. May Allah bless the downtown area.