ADL Surprisingly Opposes Islamic Center Near Ground Zero

The New York Times reports that in a surprising move yesterday, the Anti-Defamation League came out in opposition to the proposed building of an Islamic center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero in lower Manhattan, calling instead for an alternative location to b e found.. (Full text of ADL statement). Supporters of the planned $100 million complex that will contain prayer space, a performing arts center, a pool and a restaurant, see it as an attempt to build a national model of moderate Islam. However, the proposal has become increasingly controversial, especially as Republicans around the country began to use it as a campaign issue.  Sarah Palin has called it an "unnecessary provocation." While the ADL continued to criticize opposition based on religious bigotry, now ADL national director Abraham Foxman says that the location is offensive to families of 9-11 victims. He remarked: "Their anguish entitles them to positions that others would categorize as irrational or bigoted." According to the Times, the ADL's statement could constitute "a turning point in the battle over the project." Among those highly critical of the ADL's new statement is columnist Paul Krugman.