|
In the Media
- ABC’s This Week with Christiane Amanpour:
Interview with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf –
- Imam Feisal’s Op-Ed - Building on Faith in Lower Manhattan:
- Imam Feisal on Larry King Live with Soledad O’Brian:
- Controversy Can Lead to Dialogue:
“A lot of people seem to forget but Muslims were victims of 9/11, too. Just like millions of others across this country, American Muslims mourned the loss of the thousands who died that day. Unfortunately, some people have taken this national tragedy and used it as a platform to promote bigotry and xenophobia.”
“With the constant barrage of insults against Islam and Muslims, increasing levels of fear-mongering and outright ignorance that is being perpetuated, this actually represents an ideal opportunity for Muslims to reclaim their faith from bigots and extremists alike.”
- The struggle of this center has created international waves! A Catholic church in Milan, Italy is helping the 100,000 plus Muslims in the area build the first Mosque in northern Italy:
“Milan, is home to about 100,000 Muslims, mostly migrant workers from North African countries. But within city limits, there isn't a single mosque.”
Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, the church's highest authority in town stated, "Muslims have the right to practice their faith while respecting the law. Often the mosque issue
has been distorted for political reasons, while it could become a instrument for civil coexistence."
- A Conversation with Imam Feisal at Council on Foreign Relations:
Public Support
- Build the Ground Zero mosque but let the 9/11 victims weigh in, says director Woody Allen:
- Concerned New Yorkers:
- Muslim Groups hold a summit over the Islamic Center:
- Majlis Ash-Shura of New York Press Release of the Summit:
(NEW YORK, NY, 9/20/2010) – A number of local and national American Muslim leaders today issued a call for “A Week of Dialogue” in October, to combat bigotry and promote understanding and religious tolerance in civil society.
“Further, we call for a nationwide “Week of Dialogue” around October 17 to 24, during which Muslim leaders will conduct open houses at their places of worship. It is our hope and desire that these events will help to allay tensions in civil society caused by the Park51 controversy, and will build bridges of understanding that unite and strengthen our nation.”
Political Support
- Rep. Keith Ellison Talks About Beating the “Anti-Islam Industry”:
- Former President Jimmy Carter – “They ought to build it”:
- Former President Bill Clinton supports the Islamic Center:
Funding Support
- Michael Moore raises and estimated $50,000 for the Cordoba Initiative through his blog site:
*** Lawyers’ Letters*** ---à Who can I get these from? I asked about them last week as well – Nanc I think you were supposed to send me them. Please do =)
Testimonials
- 'I Love Daisy Khan!' the Seminary President Gushed:
Support Letter 1:
My heart aches at the lack of understanding shown by many in America for the efforts of the Cordoba Initiative. My heart aches also for the Muslim men, women and children in America who suffer from the prejudice and hostility that is rampant in some places--stoked by politicians and media pundits to increase their power over people.
I am trying in my own central Pennsylvania area to start a new interfaith initiative to support the Muslim community during this difficult time, and to foster dialog, cooperation and service particularly among the Abrahamic faith communities of the area.
You are certainly aware that many people of many faiths strongly support you and your efforts. I am just one more voice of support. PLEASE continue with your many good works, and may God bless you richly!
Support Letter 2:
I am Jewish and live a few blocks from your downtown site. I regret the racism you are facing and want you to know that many of us support your efforts. I for one look forward to having your community center as a neighbor.
Support Letter 3:
I just donated $50 to the Cordoba Initiative as a vote of confidence in your organization and the strongest support possible for your building of the Muslim Community Center on Park Place in New York City. I am a resident of New York City and hope you accept this donation on behalf of all New Yorkers and Americans who support your right to worship and celebrate your religion and culture freely and where you choose. Please do not back down in the face of fear-mongering bigots who are trying to make a political issue out of your laudable plans. Your strength in the face of their hate will reinforce the values that people of so many religions and cultures admire about our city and our country.
Best of luck.
Support Letter 4:
I write to you to express my full and undivided support for the Cordoba House Peace building project. Our nation is now in desperate need of leaders and visonaries as yourself who can and no doubt will succeed in building bridges between the Christian and Muslim Civilizations.
The scriptures which I revere as the holly word of God teaches..."Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God"
I see in you, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, a sorely needed peacemaker in a critical moment in the history of this nation. I hope to someday stand or kneel in the Cordoba House and pray to my creator, your creator, that He may grant a healing of this great rift that has come to divide this great nation...
I pray now that those who hate their Muslim brothers would soon become capable of crossing the cultural divide and join hands with you and I in the divine realization that regardless of whether Jew, Muslim or Christian, we are each and all the children of our almighty Creator.
Support Letter 5:
Nine years ago I was one of the secondary responders to the attack on the World Trade Center. I walked around in the ash and dust of too much death and destruction. I knew some of the firemen who nobly sacrificed themselves to save others. For a very long time I was confused with anger and furious with revenge. Then something happened, perceptions changed. I felt, 'Enough'.
In light of the debate over a Mosque 'too near' ground zero, I believe you have every right as Americans. We have fought wars for your right to worship Who, how, and where you please. If you face a difficult task with bravery and patience, if it is right, I believe you will persevere. While everyone is praying for an answer, you are working toward a solution.
Thanks for showing us the way, the right way.
|