-‘Ground Zero Mosque’ Seeking Federal Funds
by Dr. D ~ November 23rd, 2010
There have been rumors in the past -now it is official. The developers of Park 51- the so-called ‘Ground Zero Mosque’ have applied for federal funding for their project through the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.
According to Sharif El-Gamal, CEO of SOHO Properties, the developer behind the Islamic center:
"Park51 has applied for a Lower Manhattan Development Corporation grant,"
(the money would) "in part fund social service programs such as domestic violence programs, Arabic and other foreign language classes, programs and services for homeless veterans, two multi-cultural art exhibits and immigration services."
The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation has received more than 265 applications seeking more than $175 million for community and cultural programs According to one source the Park51 project has applied for $5 million in federal funds though the LMDC.
The funding will come from The Department of Housing and Urban Development which allocated money to help rebuild the area following the 9/11 attacks.
Response: This is bound to create further controversy for this project. 1,000’s who lost loved ones on 9/11 have demonstrated and protested against the building of this mosque and community center so close to Ground Zero.
We have freedom of religion in this country and Muslims are free to build mosques all over America. However, just because something can be done doesn’t necessarily mean it should.
The project is viewed by Muslims around the world as an example of victorious triumphant Islam. The design with a façade of broken and crashing crosses and Stars of David seems to support that ‘in-your-face’ theme.
The funding sought is only $5 million which is only a small portion of the $100 or so million needed for the completion of the site. Nevertheless, for many it will be the principal of the thing.
Meanwhile, an Orthodox Church that was actually destroyed that day has not been rebuilt. If federal funds are going to be used to help build a religious structure the church should be the first in line. *Top of the Blog
