An Islamic center is being built near the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Muslim investors have decided to purchase a small space near Ground Zero in New York near where the new World Trade Center complex will be constructed.
The Islamic center will provide education, arts and recreation and will be open to everyone in New York City. The hope is that opening a center and educating the public will reduce the discrimination against Muslims. This project was in the works even before the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It will also serve has a meeting place for Muslims who lack a proper location in lower Manhattan.
The city fully supports this effort and said that Muslims have the same commitment to rebuilding the city as any other New Yorker.
An excellent way to show that New York is an inclusive city and to demonstrate a united front. Since 9/11 many Muslim communities have been on the receiving end of unwarranted bigotry; to have cancelled this project would have further increased the sense of persecution. Eight years on we should be building bridges between the various communities that make up that great city rather than pushing some into isolation. I fully support this effort and am delighted to see it happening.