A Mosque Near Ground Zero?
The controversy over building a Mosque near Ground Zero is both ugly and understandable. We are not a society that deals well with nuance but let me try to be both nuanced and clear.
I believe the mosque should not be built at this site and at this time. I think, whatever the intent of the Muslim faithful, that this will not be a healing presence but a raw wound.
In the Torah, (Exodus 23:19) it says, "Seethe not the kid in the milk of its mother." While there are many interpretations to this passage, one is clear: Even animals have feelings and there are some things that mothers, fathers, survivors should not have to see. It doesn't mean: Be a vegetarian. It does mean: Be considerate of terrible ironies and the feelings of other. If we are to be sensitive to animals, how much greater should our consideration be for our fellow human beings?
I also believe that they have as much legal right to build a mosque there as any group would have to build a church or synagogue. After going through the zoning hell that all religious groups face, they should have equal legal rights. They should, however, as an act of sensitivity and generosity choose not to build at this time.
Almost two decades ago, a Catholic religious order wanted to build a convent next to Auschwitz. I opposed that too. I don't hate Catholics and don't want nuns stopped from praying, but it just wasn't fitting. They could build elsewhere and pray elsewhere. Being Polish nuns and living and praying in Poland, they had every right to do what they did. But let no one mistake their presence as a move towards healing and reconciliation.
Those who want to build this mosque may succeed--and should not be met with vandalism, harassment or hatred. But they must not believe that this will taken as a gesture of peace, understanding or reconciliation.
©2010 Jonathan Dobrer
www.Dobrer.com
When I read about the vote to consider a mosque at Ground Zero, I was incensed. Such a disgrace and dishonor to the innocent family members who were only there to earn a daily living and to help others.
Regardless if the killers were a small group, they knowingly represented a large population of the world and have been held up to the young as idols to follow.
The only reason for a mosque is to flaunt the actions of the extremists and to further the teachings of radicals with the loudest voices and those whose brainwashing has fallen on rich soil. There will never be a coming together of Christians, Jews, and muslims.
A mosque at Ground Zero - unthinkable and disrespectful.