By Michael Margavitch, Contributing Writer
As many of you have heard, there are plans to build an Islamic cultural center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero, where the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center took place in 2001. Over 60 percent of New Yorkers are against the construction of a mosque in such close proximity to the site of the tragedy.
Through her Twitter account, former Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin says that the center would "stab hearts" of those who lost love ones in the attacks. Also opposing the center because of the "unnecessary pain" it would cause is the Anti-Defamation League. There's even a Facebook group called "If they build a mosque at ground zero, someone should fly a plane into it."
This is ridiculous. Why do we have such intolerance existing in our society? Why do we feel the need to stereotype everyone in a particular religion based on the horrendous actions of a few? Stereotyping is an awful habit that we have. Not every Muslim is a terrorist. Not every Muslim is evil. I'm not condoning the actions of September 11, however, we need to remember that these were a few Muslims who took their faith to the extreme. There are people in the religion of Islam who just want to be able to celebrate their faith and not be harassed. They are not looking to cause the "unnecessary pain" of which the Anti-Defamation League speaks.
Many people are saying that this center is too close to the site of Ground Zero. The center is to be located two blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood. And honestly, are all Muslims supposed to just leave New York and only worship in Temecula or something? As a nation, we claim that it does not matter what religion one chooses. However, we are essentially excluding Muslims in this situation. It is as though America is a lunch table. When the members of Islam just want to be who they are in America, we shun them from the table, because we feel as though members of Islam are guilty by association.
At least the mayor of New York seems to have some sanity on this matter. Michael Bloomberg is completely in favor of the cultural center and mosque being built. Approximately one-hundred million dollars will fund the building of the thirteen-floor center. Bloomberg has the right idea. He looks past the disaster of 9/11 and sees the individuals seeking to celebrate their heritage, their culture, and their religious freedom.
I think we can all take a lesson from the mayor. Instead of stereotyping and feeling bitter towards the construction of the mosque and cultural center, we are actually presented with an opportunity to grow. With the mosque being located so near where the 9/11 attacks occurred, it shows that we are truly over our bitterness and ignorance. It shows that we are willing to see these people as their own individual selves. It shows that we can live in harmony. Through this simple first step, we can enable the United States of America to be truly united.