Ground Zero Mosque

[puzzle_me]

I have been trying to find the right words to write about this for a couple of weeks now. I am horrified at the opposition to building a mosque near the Ground Zero site, especially the vocal opposition of the ADL. As I don't want that to be the face of Judaism on this issue, I feel it is important to speak out. But every time I try to find words to express how I feel, I find myself reaching at the words of others who have written more eloquently on this than I feel I can. So I am going to quote from an article that I agree with in its entirety.

Every year Jews emerge from the Passover Seder table with one indelible message -- remember that you were strangers in the land of Egypt, that you were degraded and humiliated for no reason save that you were Jews. As Jews, we therefore must raise our voices and do all in our power to prevent such bigotry from being directed at any other people or faith. The empathy taught by our tradition demands that Jews neither be silent nor forbearing in the face of such injustice.

Since 9/11, many Muslims have felt similar broad brush rejection just because they practice the faith of Islam. No distinctions among Muslims are made by their critics. Blame and derision are unconscionably hurled upon an entire faith. History has well taught us how indecent and immoral it is when an entire faith group is held culpable for the acts of a few.

An Islamic Center and mosque north of Ground Zero will make the powerful statement that persons of all religious faiths can stand together as children of God. Historic memory requires us to behave with simple decency and affirm the proposed plan of our moderate and law-abiding Muslim sisters and brothers to construct this Center. We look forward to the day when we can join together with our colleagues of all faiths in dedicating this religious center which will represent the triumph of love over hate, humanity over insanity.

I don't know that there's much I can do on this issue other than voicing my opinion. The decision has already been made to green-light it, and while they can talk about it as much as they want, no federal legislator really gets a say in what the New York City Landmark's commission okays. But I am worried that this will become a wedge issue in the election - particularly one that Republicans will try to use to sway Jewish voters. It is important to me to do as much as I can to counter the bigotry on this issue.

Comments

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't think that many D-voting Jews are going to be swayed by this issue. We are defensive about Israel, but this isn't an Israel issue.

[springbok1.livejournal.com]

I'd like to believe that. Unfortunately, I think you're underestimating the amount of bigotry out there on this issue. I saw one article that compared it to putting up a large cross at Auschwitz.

[steuard.livejournal.com]

That's a great article, Abi. Thanks!