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Washington:
U.S. President Barack Obama has strongly supported the move to build
a mosque at Ground Zero in New York, saying U.S. commitment to
religious freedom must be unshakeable.
“Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that
Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone
else in this country", Obama said in his remarks at an Iftaar dinner
hosted by him at the White House.
“That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community
centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with
local laws and ordinances,” he added.
“This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be
unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in
this country, and will not be treated differently by their
government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders
must endure,” Obama said.
The Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar, was among the
select few diplomats, mostly from Muslim countries, to attend the
Iftaar dinner which was attended by top Muslim leaders, academicians
and lawmakers of the U.S.
“Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques
in certain communities - particularly in New York. Now, we must all
recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development
of lower Manhattan,” he said.
“The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. The
pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is
unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue
engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground,” Obama said as
he went on to support the move to construct a mosque there.
“We must never forget those who we lost so tragically on 9/11, and
we must always honour those who have led our response to that attack
- from the firefighters who charged up smoke-filled staircases, to
our troops who are serving in Afghanistan today,” he said.
“Let us always remember who we are fighting against, and what we are
fighting for. Our enemies respect no freedom of religion. Al Qaeda’s
cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam,” he said.
These are not religious leaders — these are terrorists who murder
innocent men, women and children. In fact, al Qaeda has killed more
Muslims than people of any other religion — and that list of victims
includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11, Obama said.
“That is who we are fighting against. And the reason that we will
win this fight is not simply the strength of our arms — it is the
strength of our values. The democracy that we uphold. The freedoms
that we cherish. The laws that we apply without regard to race or
religion; wealth or status,” the President said.
“Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who
are different from us - a way of life that stands in stark contrast
to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning,
and who continue to plot against us today,” Obama said.
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