The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Riptide Communications, (212) 260-5000 or Donna Marsh O'Connor (315) 559-2183

9/11 Families Group Announces Support for Islamic Cultural Center in Lower Manhattan

NEW YORK

Today, September 11th
Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, a nationwide group founded by family
members
of those killed on 9/11 issued the following statement, which may be
attributed
to their spokesperson, Donna Marsh O'Connor:

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
strongly
supports efforts to bring an Islamic Cultural Center to lower Manhattan,
near
the Ground Zero site. We believe that welcoming the Center, which is
intended
to promote interfaith
tolerance and
respect,
is consistent with fundamental American values
of
freedom and justice for all.

We believe, too,
that this
building will serve as an emblem for the rest of the world that
Americans stand
against violence, intolerance and overt acts of racism and that we
recognize
that the evil acts of a few must never damn the innocent.

To arrange an
interview with a
member of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows,
please
contact David Lerner or Shonna Carter, Riptide Communications,
212-2605000 or dlerner@riptideonline.com,
shonnac@riptideonline.com

Peaceful Tomorrows is an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11th who have united to turn our grief into action for peace. By developing and advocating nonviolent options and actions in the pursuit of justice, we hope to break the cycles of violence engendered by war and terrorism. Acknowledging our common experience with all people affected by violence throughout the world, we work to create a safer and more peaceful world for everyone.