Irish families who lost loved ones on 9/11 have spoken out against the proposed building of a mosque and community center near Ground Zero.
The family of Damian Meehan, who died at the World Trade Center while working for finance firm Carr Futures, feels that a mosque only two blocks from Ground Zero would be “disrespectful” to those who died during the biggest terrorist attack ever launched on U.S. soil.
Damien’s sister Janine Meehan, whose parents are from Co. Donegal, spoke to the Irish Voice on behalf of the Meehan family.
The Meehans feel erecting a mosque so close to Ground Zero, “a sacred ground,” would be utterly wrong.
“Ground Zero is the resting place of all the poor souls that have not been identified,” said Meehan.
The Meehans feel that if the proposed mosque is really “about praying and healing” then the religion of Islam could agree to “move elsewhere” to allow the families affected by 9/11 to heal properly.
“The truth is, this mosque is not about healing. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf that leads this mosque stated that this horrible event was America’s doing 19 days after 9/11,” said Meehan angrily.
She recalls only too well the bitter days following 9/11.
“As we waited to hear that our loved ones were safe, the soldiers of Islam celebrated this great victory and the cowardly terrorists were now in heaven enjoying their time with their promised virgins,” said Meehan.
Instead of building a mosque, the Meehan family suggests building a place where the people of America can begin to heal.
“Build a place where the families can visit to be close to their loved ones. Build a memorial that we can visit and fulfill our promise that we would never forget,” Meehan said.
The Meehans maintain that the focus should be on keeping the memory alive of “our fallen heroes.”
The family of Brendan Dolan, only 37 when he perished at Ground Zero on 9/11 while also working as a broker and senior vice president for Carr Futures, shares the same sentiments as the Meehans.
Brendan’s brother Thomas Dolan spoke to the Irish Voice from his vacation in Nantucket on Tuesday on behalf of the Dolan family.
“We think it is very, very insensitive to open up a mosque so close to Ground Zero,” said Dolan, whose mother hails from Co. Roscommon and father from Co. Cavan.
“We are not at all opposed to Muslims, and people have the right to practice their religion and open mosques wherever they might want to, but in this particular case to open a mosque a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero is very insensitive to all the people who died there, including my brother.”
Dolan respects that the radical Islamists that are using Islam to justify their terrorist ways are in the minority, but to open a mosque a few blocks away from the place he lost his brother would be “a shame.”
Dolan feels that having the mosque so close to Ground Zero could also be a “lightning rod” for future terrorist plots.
“This is just another way for extremists to wage war against the west,” said Dolan.
“You could have a lot of potential terrorists coming to this country in one way or another to go and look at the 9/11 remain site and then go to the ground zero mosque.”
The solution, said Dolan, would be to relocate it somewhere else in the city.
“So many lives were devastated by 9/11. Brendan worked really hard and built a very good business and career for himself, and to have this happen to him at 37 and leave a wife and two children that myself and my two other brothers have been helping out is just devastating. Knowing that this mosque could be just around the block is even more devastating,” he added.
Co. Cork native Ron Clifford lost his sister Ruth and his niece Juliana during the attacks. He feels erecting a mosque and community center next to Ground Zero would be “extremely insensitive.”
“The problem that I have is not with the mosque, it's the location. I do think it is extremely insensitive. There are many other places in New York City where they can build this without such fanfare. Why have are they so bent on this place?” asks Clifford.
“By yielding to the public cry to not construct the mosque near Ground Zero and electing to build it in another location they would be able to further leverage the voice of the vast majority of Muslims who condemn terrorism. This would be the right thing to do,” he told the Irish Voice on Tuesday.
Clifford said the remains of his sister and his four-year-old niece are still scattered throughout the site at Ground Zero.
“It has been nine years and I live it every day,” he says.
Clifford said he is not fully convinced that Feisal Abdul Rauf intentions are genuine.
“The Cordoba Institute's Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf says a mosque and community center will help bridge the gap and bring healing between Muslims and non-Muslims.
“I am suspicions because it is a known fact that that it is Islamic tradition to build on top of an area that you've ‘conquered.’ In their culture this is what they call a soft Jihad,” said Clifford.
“The argument should not be about freedom of religious rights, and the issue should be examined more closely. The 9/11 families and victims deserve a little more respect.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.etain77 | Aug 27, 2010, 07:41 PM EDT
Of course my fellow countrymen and women will take the ignorant stupid stance. They still believe the official story about 9/11. They believe the stories about Iraq and Al Qaeda, Iraq's WMDs even though no evidence has been presented to support either of these accusations. Did any of you Irish go to school, i.e. past primary school? I think not. Take a look at this-http://www.ae911truth.org/evidence.html How did tower 7 fall? How can a 100-plus story building constructed with the finest materials and state of the art technology collapse in a few minutes - I was close by, I worked on Park Place. And since when has a building collapsed due to fire? Idiots Idiots Idiots!!! I suppose you all were delighted with the wars! Speaking of which, do you believe what Pat Tillman's parents are saying about how he actually died? I suppose you'll say that's a conspiracy too! Ha Ha!! Gombeens!!
rooster483 | Aug 20, 2010, 06:46 PM EDT
i dont want to see this mosque built in an area where my cousin was murdered.she showed up early for work like any good employee who wants to make a better world for their family.damian meehan was also doing the same thng.in the interest of full disclosure i am a friend of that family and have to add that they and their parents have contributed to the well being of many a person.i think it it very important that we the families who lost love ones on that day, get very vocal about this mosque, weather it be on the streets, radio or tv and papers. we should start beating the drum of our love ones and reawaken the feeling of the whole country to what happened there that day.the country would have stormed downtown manhattan in protest to this mosque if it was proposed closer to the day of this attack.i feel that we as a country are starting to forget the horror of being violated by these wackos ,and have to rise up against this mosque based on principle alone.i am writting to tell janine meehan to never give up voicing your love for your lost one by outing theses criminals and thugs and murders with any form of press at your disposal.i do it all the time for my ann who shares a stone with her name on it with danian's in a certian part of the catskills.i visit this stone when i can and say a prayer for all whos names are on there.i feel this is only the start of many fights that are going to come our way, with this group of people that voices its hatred for our religion and american way of life and we should get ready to sound off at any time we feel our loves ones memories are being tarnished and disgraced. down with the mosque and build a place where we remember the people that were killed at the trade center,make a nuetral site open to all and this will be better for all of us.
GuinnessGrrl | Aug 20, 2010, 04:27 PM EDT
Where's the outrage over the fact that it's coming up on the 9th anniversary and where the towers stood is still a big hole in the ground?
GuinnessGrrl | Aug 20, 2010, 04:26 PM EDT
Um, there were people working in the towers when they were hit & who died who were Muslims...anybody want to ask THEIR families what they think? I've yet to hear anyone say just how close this community center can be built without it being on "hallowed" ground...
madelane | Aug 20, 2010, 11:06 AM EDT
Why hasn't my last post been added??
IrishAndProud | Aug 20, 2010, 12:14 AM EDT
It is interesting how someone who's just gotten through cursing religion itself as nothing more than 'brainwashing' (that's YOU, madelane) is now all-of-a-sudden so gung-ho about religious and property rights -- at least when it comes to Muslims. Usually liberals SPIT on such stuff...but for some reason with muslims, it's all different. Hmmmm. So...if the Muslims wish to stick a mosque/school at Ground Zero, with the express purpose of sticking their middle finger up America's nose and saying 'we've won and we've conquered this very same spot that we attacked you on, and you're so hamstrung by your own political correctness that you're actually letting us do it,' then...you have no problem with that, madelane? Is that not naked ABUSE of the very Constitution you've just cited? In the name of the Constitution, you will allow things into the country that have vowed as their goal the destruction of that very document? That is interesting...and just a wee bit convoluted, if you don't mind me saying so. And yes, that is EXACTLY why they want the mosque there, on that spot. Why else? You can't say it's because they have nowhere else -- they could build it ANYWHERE else, and it wouldn't be raising nearly the eyebrows it is, here. And what about its name: the CORDOVA House? Do you not know history, madelane? Do you not know the significance of that name in Islamic history -- and particularly for this building, in THAT place, near Ground Zero? Just use your head (and not your 'heart!). This is not difficult to figure out.
madelane | Aug 19, 2010, 04:42 PM EDT
@lovepint,@McNabb- No I have not distorted the issue- I see past what you can't get your heads out of-your religions. The majority of Muslim people in America DO NOT want to destroyAmerica-BECAUSE THEY ARE AMERICANS!!! We have a small minority in this country that want to desroy America,but they are not Muslim they are fringe element Christians, and they frighten me far more than any American Muslim. I can see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears the racist bigotry that is coming from the people who appose the Community Center, which is actually not at Ground Zero, but a few blocks away. Please tell me why you think the American Muslims should send their money to the Middle East, and not use it to help themselves here, where they live and where they belong!! You've got that right McNabb, I spew my loathing for anything that subjugates people, in part or in whole. I detest anything that teaches not to trust anyone or anything that is not just like them!! In history, religions have caused more wars, pain and suffering than anything else- read your history!!! I don't think any religion anywhere comes anywhere close to equaling the importance of the Constitution!! And I will fight any way I can for it not to be corroded by your fears and distrust in any way!! But I would also fight for your right to worship what you wish and where you wish. It's our right as Americans, but unfortunatly it's being taken away from one group, because of the hatred, fear, and mistrust of another group.
McNabb1966 | Aug 19, 2010, 02:38 PM EDT
@madelane...You're distorting the issue. If you want to type volumes then how about this: Explain why you ASSUME that the true motive of Cordoba House backers is peace, love and tolerance while ASSUMING that people who oppose building Cordoba House at Ground Zero are religious bigots who want to destroy the Constitution? Have you given that much thought? Or are you too busy spewing your hatred of all religions?
loveapint | Aug 19, 2010, 01:32 PM EDT
You just don't get it, Its not freedom of religion we are against, its where they want to build it. The Gov of NY offered them another site and they refused. The NY Muslems should use all or part of the money to help their fellow Muslems in the middle east build hospitals and school, to help raise the standard of living over there.
madelane | Aug 19, 2010, 10:58 AM EDT
Thank you for reminding me that all Muslims are terrorists. By that same logic every Christian is a Timothy McVeigh, and all the Irish took part in the "Troubles". You may lump people together by the actions of a few, but I try to see the nuances in human thoughts and expression. I've also seen where some Christians want to take over America and make this country a theocracy, that scares me just as much as any Muslim take over. My understanding? So I have to live my life with hate, until my granddaughters great grandchildren die because no one will move past it, and decide that humanity is far more important then this hate that continues because my 15th great grandfather attacked your 16th great granduncle. The problem with taking away the muslims right to worship is, who will be next? Mormons? 7th Day Adventists? The Fundementalists don't care for any religions that aren't them, so will the rest loose their rights, because they offended the fundimentalists? Actually all religions offend me, be they Muslim, Christian,or Judaism. To me religion is nothing more than brainwashing to keep hate alive, and to keep distrust in others going. Religion is #1 in keeping people apart. I have seen videos of and about the 9/11 families, and yes my heart has gone out to them, yet not to just the Christian ones, but Muslim, Jew and atheist families too. I can feel loss of a loved one, no one has a monopoly on the feelings of loss or pain. But I am trying to see past the pain and hate, to possibly the most important piece of paper in this country; to what makes this country what it is and the people, who we are. The Constitution. If we allow this hate and ditrust to continue, and if the Muslims loose their right to worship where they choose, then we have made a precedence, and have weakened the Constitution, to the point that no ones freedom of religion will be safe.
McNabb1966 | Aug 19, 2010, 09:40 AM EDT
So the families of 9/11 murder victims need to be more sensitive? Really? Also, the argument that Cordoba House "isn't really a mosque at all" only weakens the case for building it at Ground Zero. If it's not a religious center than how can opposition to it be a threat to freedom of religion? The Left has thrown out so many bogus arguments that the moonbats can't keep their stories straight. Is it about "religous freedom" or not? Is it about "cultural sensitivity?" Is it strictly about property rights? Or is this just an excuse to score some points in an election cycle?
IrishAndProud | Aug 19, 2010, 01:25 AM EDT
Madelane, why does your 'human understanding' not extend toward the families of the 9/11 victims? It cuts both ways -- and insisting on putting an Islamic center near the largest mass-murder site in U.S. history (at the hands of Muslims) is not a good way of going about it. It's just too damned in-your-face (which is EXACLY the intent)...and they've even named the place 'Cordova' after their invasion entrypoint into Europe, and have the backing of HAMAS, who, ah...aren't the world's nicest gentlemen, shall we say. We'll 'understand' our way into the grave, if we follow this course. These 7th-century throw-backs want to wipe the USA out, and you want to 'understand' them? The 9/11 families and most of the rest of us already understand them, painfully -- but PAINFULLY -- well. Go to You Tube, and type 'KeepAmericaSafe.com we remember' into the search window, and then watch the top video. It's a message directy from 9/11 families, and the topic of this Islamic center...then get back to me. Try understanding them, too.
madelane | Aug 18, 2010, 11:27 PM EDT
@IrishandProud, I support human understanding!!! Instead of all this hate, and lack of understanding, how about being the first to stretch out a hand. I lived in Japan for 4 years, they have American cultural Centers in many places.(not sure if any are in Hiroshima), but seeing as how the Japanese have a Cultural Center on Oahu, I guess I would not be adverse to seeing one in Hiroshima. Cultural Centers are for bringing people together, NOT IN HATE,BUT IN UNDERSTANDING, and hoping that it develops into friendship. Maybe if the people in Ireland thought outside of their religions and realized that, you all have more simalarites than differences, maybe... But both peoples have been so steeped in hate, it would take a very "BIG" person, to stretch out their hand.
madelane | Aug 18, 2010, 11:11 PM EDT
Hey @bostonblakie, most Christians don't keep their religion a private matter either, I get Christianity shoved down my throat at least once a day, if not more. Instead of all this hate, towards fellow Americans, how about doing your "Christian" thing and stretch out a hand toward them. They did not commit 9/11, and have just as much horror and pain toward the loss of lives as you do.
IrishAndProud | Aug 18, 2010, 11:07 PM EDT
madelane, I'm not a Xtian at all, and the Muslims need to find another place. Do you support an American culture school and church at Hiroshima? Or how about a Protestant Institute right next to the Bloody Sunday site in Derry?
madelane | Aug 18, 2010, 10:58 PM EDT
What about the Muslims that were working in the Trade Center and lost their lives that day, maybe you might want to hear what their families have to say. I'm really tired of so-called Christians that are so filled with hate, they need to go back and relearn their religion! Remember forgiveness? besides the Muslims that want this Community Center had nothing to do with 9/11. I also think that all the Americans that are against the Community Center need to reread their Constitution, remember that piece of paper that guarantees everyone the right to freedom of religion? We cannot pick and choose who has the right to worship and where they worship, it's their right as Americans, just like it is yours. Do any of you realize that there has been a Mosque, within a few blocks of Ground Zero already, and has been there since before the Trade Center was built? These Muslims are Americans too, they love their country and wish to worship, just like the rest of you.
Clancey | Aug 18, 2010, 10:19 PM EDT
The building is a cultural center that contains, among other things, a cooking school and a basketball court, as well as a space for prayer. As New York Times columnist Clyde Haberman has written, calling it a mosque is like calling a hospital that includes a chapel a church. The U.S. has always stood for freedom of religion; are we now going to erase that from our Constitution? Unlike most people who are raising a ruckus about this building, I lived in New York on 9/11; I watched the building collapse. I went to my share of funerals. I lived with the fear in our city for months and years afterward. But it's a victory for terrorism if you allow our Constitution to be subverted and block this building's construction.
Celtick8c | Aug 18, 2010, 10:16 PM EDT
The best way to teach understanding is to show some. As an American I support their right to practice their faith, as a family member of someone who was killed on 9/11, A fine Irish American, who would have also supported the Muslim's freedom of religon, I believe the true intention of building a mosque at/near ground zero is an "UP YOURS"
jamieLM | Aug 18, 2010, 08:49 PM EDT
If a group of radical Christians blew up a mosque and killed a lot of Muslims, just how enthusiastic do you think the Muslim community would be about a Christian church being erected near the site? NOT VERY! They'd be screaming their heads off about how "insensitive" the Christians are and how they were trying to "kill" Islam.
Mickk333 | Aug 18, 2010, 08:33 PM EDT
resisting the mosque is Anti-American and against everything that once made this country great. this 'I got mine, to hell with you' attitude is shameful.
patrick1945 | Aug 18, 2010, 03:03 PM EDT
This Mosque instead of bringing healing will only be a reminder of how evil Islam can be not how good it could be. Every Islamic Terrorist event in the future will be a reflection on this Mosque. I can still see Muslims dancing in the streets when the twin-towers went down.
bostonblakie | Aug 18, 2010, 01:52 PM EDT
I've seen no indications that Muslims are willing to keep their faith a private matter, accept secular government and law or show tolerance to those not wishing to be Muslims. How long will it be before this sinks in? Duh!
jflanagan | Aug 18, 2010, 01:35 PM EDT
To show how ridiculous the media has become trying to refute those calling for the Imam to do the right thing I cite last nights report on New York's NBC station. The reporter pointed out that there are three strip clubs not far from the site and why they were acceptable and the Mosque is not. I can think of two things off the top of my head: There were no reports of Strippers flying the planes into the WTC and these clubs were probably there already. If strippers had been the terrorists, I am sure everyone would be up in arms if someone wanted to open a new strip club. The news media, especially NBC, is way over the top trying to characterize ordinary Americans as racist bigots. We Americans are a people used to decency, etiquette, concern for others and hard work.
jflanagan | Aug 18, 2010, 01:28 PM EDT
In the beginning this Imam said he wanted to build it there to promote understanding. Yet when Governor Patterson offers a meeting to discuss the possibility of moving it to another location in the area that the State of New York would provide this Imam refuses to take part in the meeting. If he had shown some concern for the feelings of the victims' families he could have now come forward and offer to move is a couple or so blocks farther away. Then even though there would be some who would still object he would really look like he wanted to promote understanding and peace. His stubbornness causes one to think he has other goals than those stated. It's not a matter of racism or bigotry but rather a matter of doing the right thing.
Searlit | Aug 18, 2010, 11:04 AM EDT
The building chosen for the mosque was hit by one of the parts of a plane, so to me, that makes it an even more chilling aspect, of this whole controversy. I think another place will be chosen. We need peace for all concerned, not more controversy.
kateomprint | Aug 18, 2010, 10:58 AM EDT
Why do Muslims always want to do something that upsets every other religion. If they truly belive they can build it somewhere else that doesn't affect some many people who were devasted by the events that happend on September llth
antoman | Aug 18, 2010, 10:23 AM EDT
Story that will forever stay with me is that of a family not far from where I am.The husband managed to escape from the towers with his life.His wife and little girl were on one of the planes that struck the twin towers.It seems to me that beauracracy has gone mad.Common sense and a respect for the dead should be shown.Ya know what..build the damn mosque,,invite the wrath of the Irish..see what happens.
mayoman | Aug 18, 2010, 10:21 AM EDT
There are claims made everywhere I read that there are 100 mosques in New York. But is that true? Cityscape indicates that there are only 47 Islamic facilities in the entire New York Metropolitan Area, and Verizon reports telephone listing for only 29 mosques in all of New York City. Where did this "100" number come from? I also would like to ask the critics of The Cordoba Institute this: if the center is too close to Ground Zero, how far away would it need to be to satisty your concerns?
adrienrain | Aug 18, 2010, 10:20 AM EDT
I ask again - how much of NY City is to be 'sacred ground?' Now it extends in a 2-3 block radius from the actual towers. But why not 5 blocks - or 10? Or all of Manhattan? After all, it is the financial center of the nation, right? So would building a bank be too profane in such a sacred place? For heaven's sake, this is basically a church, and if they can't build it there, no one else should either.
loveapint | Aug 18, 2010, 10:01 AM EDT
Too many people are missing the point. Freedom of religion is a right. But with a 100 mosques in NY, freedom of religion is not being denied. And if the nuslims have 100 million dollars to build it, why don't they use the money to build hospitals and schools in the war torn regions of the middle east, instead of the USA spending our tax dollars to build them.
Monsoonman | Aug 18, 2010, 09:20 AM EDT
That about sums it up.