Somewhere 9/11 terrorists smile when we tear at one another

I have probably spent more time researching and thinking about this column than any other that I have written.

On 9/11, a horrific incident that united all of us ... young and old in every state and yes, of every color and religion, has now become a politically wielded wedge to drive us apart. The question of an Islamic center a few blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center is certainly of major importance, but the misinformation, hysteria and use of this one topic as a new litmus test for political candidates is a worrisome trend; sure to worsen as we approach the ninth anniversary of that day.

There has already been far too much over-the-top rhetoric and patriotic posturing instead of some understanding dialogue.

My husband and I both formerly worked for companies headquarted in the World Trade Center, so the fall of those buildings was exceedingly personal. Val, on a daily basis until his retirement, had worked on the 83rd floor of No. 2 WTC. I had worked in the Connecticut office of a large firm whose home office was in building No. 1 and had often been present at meetings and to entertain clients at the beautiful Windows on the World restaurant.

My initial reaction when I heard that a mosque was to be built near Ground Zero was an immediate and definitive, “No, it shouldn’t be there!” But after reading and listening to many differing opinions on the subject, I realize my first reaction was purely emotional, and I am now admittedly somewhat conflicted.

I have learned, for instance, that what is planned is really a cultural center with a pool, gym, cooking classes and activities for the community (although there certainly will be a place for Muslims to worship, as well). There is actually a small mosque nearby, already. Additionally, there are other “inappropriate” buildings in the area, like a strip club, but nobody seems upset about that or even the fact that after all this time, there is still no memorial to those (including some Muslims) who lost their lives that terrible day.

And if “appropriateness” is reason enough for impassioned protest, then the fact that Glenn Beck, who incites racism under the guise of civil rights, had a rally on the fourth anniversary of — and in the same place as — Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, should have caused a major outcry.

Both Europe and America are becoming increasingly multi-cultural and multi-religious, and yet few of us know or even want to learn about the other cultures and religions which are flowing into mainstream America.

The WTC disaster was caused by a group of extremists who were Muslims, but by reacting with hate crimes, violence and prejudicial treatment, we unwittingly give strength to Osama Bin Laden’s claim that the West is at war with Islam, and it is the duty of every Muslim to resist.

Unfortunately, terrorism does work. Even though there were 600,000 Muslim residents in New York and its suburbs before 9/11, most of us were blissfully unaware of Islam. Remember how after Pearl Harbor, so many people felt that all Japanese Americans were disloyal that these citizens were hustled out of their homes, and placed in “camps” even though many of them had relatives and children serving in our armed forces?

Whether a bomb at Pearl Harbor or planes destroying the towers, we are all too ready to hate and to paint everyone with the same brush. Do we need to be concerned with where the money is coming from to fund the center?

Of course, but we need a lot more transparency in who funds many of our institutions as well as our candidates for political office. It is interesting to note that the second largest stockholder in the News Corp., owners of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, is Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who has donated substantial sums to projects led by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who wants to build the Islamic community center under discussion.

In summary, do I feel the Cordoba Center has every constitutional right to be built on property purchased in 2009? Without a doubt, it has. Daisy Kahn, executive director of the American Society for Muslim Advancement, says the center is meant to improve interfaith relations.

Do I wish in the interests of fostering good will and understanding that they would be sensitive to the emotional associations of 9/11 and decide to build their community center on another site? Yes, I do, and along with many others, would applaud them for making that thoughtful decision.

Contact Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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