The Melting Pot has a Little Too Much Heat

I can't think of a better day than Rosh Hashanah to write about the importance of religious freedoms in this country. I'll mark the Jewish New Year by writing about the Islamic center in New York.

In recent weeks the plan to build an Islamic center two blocks from the site of the world trade center has become an intense national debate heavily covered in the media, and has the potential to become a campaign issue this year. Opponents of the center argue the location is disrespectful to the victims of 9/11 and their families, while supporters site legal reasons and religious freedom.

Religious freedom is one of the fundamental principals inherent in the founding of the United States. Whether you look at the writings of Thomas Jefferson, the First Amendment, or landmark court cases, the right to religious freedom and expression is a core value that has been protected for the entire history of the U.S. That is not to say religious freedom has been won easily. Every religious minority; Catholics, Jews, Atheists, and so on, has at one point in history fought for equal standing in public opinion. The law has and continues to support the right of religious expression, however, the toughest battle for minority groups is winning acceptance from the general public.

This is where American Muslims are today.

It is vital to draw a line between Islam and radical groups who use Islam as a guise for violent political objectives. Al-Qaida was responsible for the attacks on 9/11, and other militant groups such as the Taliban continue to carryout terror attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. Although these groups use Islam as a pretext for violence, they must not be confused with the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, or American Muslims, many who are American citizens themselves.

Ultimately al-Qaida will win when their actions and rhetoric divide our society and cause intolerance and discrimination against a large number of our citizens.

The Islamic center in lower Manhattan can be a symbol of the acceptance and understanding of minority groups in American society. Its vibrant, peaceful presence can lead the way in mending public opinion of American Muslims.

Instead of burning Qurans, or engaging in trivial arguments over the acceptable distance from ground zero that the center can be built, let's mark 9-11 by demonstrating to the world America is strong enough, and America is mature enough, to repel religious ignorance and intolerance, resist the temptation to succumb to stereotypes and suspicion, and protect the rich heritage of religious freedom in the United States.