18 May,2010 10:45 AM IST | | Agencies
An ambitious plan to build a mosque next to New York's Ground Zero has angered residents of the city.
Supporters of the project say the planned multi-storey Islamic centre would transform the way Americans have interacted with Muslims since nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks.
Boasting a mosque with sports facilities, a theatre and possibly day care, the centre would be open to all visitors to demonstrate that Muslims are part of the society. But because of the proposed mosque's location, just around the corner from the gaping Ground Zero hole, the plan has upset some locals.
"The outrage continues," says website https://www.nomosquesatgroundzero.wordpress.com/ under a close-up of the collapsing Twin Towers.
The protest site adds the centre will "cast a rude shadow over Ground Zero."
Others compared the idea to building a German cultural centre at Auschwitz.
"Spitting in the Face of everyone Murdered on 9/11," writes Blitz, a self-described 'anti-jihadist' newspaper.
That anger is not uncommon among New Yorkers who blame Islam, rather than just al Qaeda for 9/11.
"This is the wrong neighborhood to put the mosque in," Scott Rachelson (59) said. Rachelson, who works with people seeking compensation over 9/11 related damages, said his life changed forever that day.
A woman living in the a building next to the proposed mosque said she couldn't accept the project. "I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me nervous," said Jennifer Wood (36). "I don't know why it has to be here -- this is a big city."
