Park51 Supporters Use Lull To Their Advantage

By: Grace Rauh

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A national fight over an Islamic community center and prayer space proposed for Lower Manhattan is no longer dominating the news cycle. But supporters of the project aren't laying low as they try to use this moment of calm to their advantage. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.

Opposition to the proposed Islamic community center and mosque Downtown is still strong, but it's not quite as loud any more. Protesters aren't filling the streets like they did on the anniversary of September 11th. That means a decrease in coverage on the evening news.

For fans of the project, officially known as Park51, the relative silence is a relief. It's also an opening.

"Times when cooler heads prevail are times when we can have a more reasoned discourse," said Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Dalia Mahmoud, a Muslim New Yorker and vocal proponent of Park51, made her case this week on the Upper West Side.

At her urging, the local community board passed a resolution commending a Lower Manhattan community board for voting in favor of the Islamic community center. It was a way to signal support for the project.

"I was very proud this evening and surprised and encouraged by the dialogue that I heard take place," Mahmoud said.

The board's vote has no real teeth, but Mahmoud is hoping it has a ripple effect. She wants other community boards throughout the five boroughs to follow suit.

"This is really a signal to elected officials as the midterm elections approach that actually what happened in New York City and what happened in support of this community center is the right thing," Mahmoud said.

Both Mahmoud and Lieberman have been working with other New Yorkers to round up support for the project.

The group, New York Neighbors for American Values, organized a candlelight vigil last month. It is now laying the groundwork for a letter writing campaign directed at politicians and candidates for office.

While it may be quiet outside the center's proposed location now, the storm could hit again if fundraising for the center heats up and a groundbreaking ceremony suddenly seems like a real possibility.

It's a scenario supporters of Park51 are trying to prepare for right now.