NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Jewish leaders put on a love fest in front of the site of the proposed 'Ground Zero mosque.'"We are here in support praying to turn sorrow to joy and prejudice to welcome," Ellen Lippman, co-chair of Rabbis for Human Rights, told PIX 11 News. "The great center will grow here offering prayer, learning, meeting, connection and friendship to all that enter."
Just yards from Ground Zero, located at 45 Park Place, the plans for 'Cordoba Initiative Mosque and Cultural Center' have drawn outrage and protests from families who lost loved ones on Sept. 11.
However, supporters say it is important to understand that Islam did not attack the World Trade Center, but rather a mutant strand of Islam. They say the mosque will promote tolerance and healing.
"We need this Islamic center to preach love and respect in contrast to those that preach hate and destruction," said Rich Jacobs of the Westchester Reform Temple.
There is no time table when construction will begin here. However more protests will likely take place. According to a new survey, 61-percent of New Yorkers disapprove of the mosque.
"I hope that once it is built and the 61-percent...whoever they are...are able to come here and see it," said Lippman. "They should come in and learn and be welcome ... recognize the difference that they will see that and their minds will change."
