NYC imam defends plans for mosque next to Ground Zero

Defending his planned mosque and cultural center next to Ground Zero against criticism, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf said it will be a testament to unity and a symbol condemning radical Islam.

Rauf was joined Thursday by a contingency of city and state elected officials, who spoke out against remarks criticizing the mosque made by national tea party movement leaders and some relatives of Sept. 11, 2001, victims.

In his first public discussion of the mosque, the imam spoke before the planned site, at the old Burlington Coat Factory store at Park Place. "We are here to help in the healing process," he said.

Rauf said the mosque would be a cultural center that "will be part of this community. We are committed to eradicate radicalism and bridge our communities."

The mosque, which is already zone-approved, will be open to everyone, he said. He expects about 2,000 worshipers, as well as interfaith programs, a swimming pool and a 500-seat auditorium for cultural events.

Plans also call for a memorial inside with the names of the victims who died at the World Trade Center.

Reacting to comments posted on the website of tea party leader Mark Williams, State Sen. Daniel Squadron (D-Brooklyn) said, "Bigotry has no place here at Ground Zero when discussing the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. The way we rebuild after the horrific attacks of 9/11 is to work together and understand the multicultural history of America."

Longtime Westbury resident Antonia Fontana, mother of a 9/11 fallen firefighter, Lt. David J. Fontana, said in an interview: "I don't have an objection to the mosque, but I don't see spending money on a cultural center that sounds like a playground. . . . I don't think this is appropriate. First things first."