The proposed Park51 Islamic community center in lower Manhattan has become an incredibly "inflamed and emotional" issue, says Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the project's chairman, in The New York Times. Despite the divisive rhetoric aimed at the project, however, the initiative's true purpose is "to cultivate understanding among all religions and cultures," not to drive us apart or disrespect the victims of 9/11. In fact, the support from leaders like New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has already "sent a powerful message about what America stands for, and will be remembered as a milestone in improving American-Muslim relations." But the bridge-building is far from over. I hope "all Americans" can "rise to this challenge," writes Rauf, and help close the gap once and for all. An excerpt:
We are proceeding with the community center, Cordoba House. More important, we are doing so with the support of the downtown community, government at all levels and leaders from across the religious spectrum, who will be our partners. I am convinced that it is the right thing to do for many reasons...
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The week's best photosIn Pictures A tomato fight, painting behind bars, and more
-
Mountainhead: Jesse Armstrong's tech bro satire sparkles with 'weapons-grade zingers'The Week Recommends The Succession creator's first feature film lacks the hit TV show's 'dramatic richness' – but makes for a horribly gripping watch
-
Seeing Each Other: Portraits of Artists – a 'riveting' exhibitionThe Week Recommends Pallant House exhibition offers fascinating instances of painterly reciprocity
