The planned mosque and Islamic centre blocks from the World Trade Centre site in New York is getting

Описание: (25 Aug 2010) HEADLINE: NYC Islamic center gets new support
CAPTION: The planned mosque and Islamic centre blocks from the World Trade Centre site in New York is getting a new boost from a coalition of supporters that includes families of 9/11 victims. (Aug. 25)

(New York)
NATS: "Teach us the meaning of truly hallowed ground."
A new group is rallying in favor of those who want to build an Islamic Cultural Center and mosque near Ground Zero.
They're calling themselves "New York Neighbors for American Values."
The group includes Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders and the ACLU.
Also in the group are some 9-11 family members like Donna Marsh O'Connor, whose pregnant daughter was killed in the World Trade Center.
(Donna Marsh O'Connor, Daughter Killed on 9-11)
"We do not say to Americans of any descent 'no you can't practice freedom of religion here.'"
Among the press covering the rally was Pamela Hall, of the group "Stop Islamization of America."
She videotapes and monitors those in favor of the cultural center, including Imam Feisal (Fy-sawl) Abdul Rauf.
(Pamela Hall, Stop Islamization of America)
"We have really just wanted to plead with him to look for another location, to heal by looking for another location and please stop with the ad hominem of attacks accusing people of being racists and hate mongers."
As this local land-use issue has turned into a national debate, opponents and proponents gather daily outside the makeshift mosque -- two blocks from Ground Zero, where, inside, Muslims have been holding prayer services for some time now.
One block closer to Ground Zero is St. Peters, the city's oldest Catholic church, decorated with a metal cross from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
Organizers of the community center and mosque are hoping if they build a 100-million dollar structure here it will also become a landmark of lower Manhattan.
Ted Shaffrey, The Associated Press, New York

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