"Ground Zero Mosque" Developer: I Don't Hold Islam Accountable for 9/11 Attacks

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Domestic Issues

Sharif El-Gamal.

(Credit: CBS)

Sharif El-Gamal, the developer behind the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque," told CBS News' Scott Pelley that it never crossed his mind that the location of the project was too close to the site of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Asked why not, he replied, "Because I did not hold myself or my faith accountable for that tragedy."

In an interview airing tonight on the CBS "Evening News" and later on "60 Minutes," El-Gamal discussed the uproar over Park 51, the proposed Islamic cultural center two blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center.

El-Gamal describes himself as "an American, a New Yorker, born in Methodist Hospital Brooklyn, to a Polish Catholic mother and an Egyptian father."

"Let me make sure I have this straight," Pelley said. "You are a Muslim who married a Christian girl. Your mother is Catholic. And you joined the Jewish Community Center on the West Side of Manhattan."

"I did," El-Gamal replied. "That's New York, though. That's New York."

As Hotsheet reported Friday, El-Gamal also told Pelley the backers of the project will not take money from "organizations that have un-American values."

"We will not take money from Iran. We will not take money from Hamas," he said.

More from the interview will air on the "Evening News" tonight.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by macgerson September 4, 2010 6:20 PM EDT: This is the same petty criminal who tried to beat an assault rap by claiming his victim's face had bumped into his hand.
BTW he didn't have $15K to pay damages? Where'd he get the $ to buy the site.; Reply to this comment


by mullerohana September 1, 2010 2:02 PM EDT: What does Islam have to do with the 9/11 attacks? It is now obvious that the trail of evidence that was conveniently left for the FBI was a diversion (a checked bag left at the airport, passports and bandannas that somehow survived the infernos). At least 7 of the 19 "hijackers" have been found to be alive. Is no one the least bit curious as to who REALLY hijacked these airplanes? Afterall, we are at war over it. I would immediately suspect the group of Israeli spies who were arrested in NY that day, filming the attacks, celebrating and high-fiving each other. But you never know without an investigation. Bin Laden repeatedly denied any responsibility, up until the convenient tape was found, of a right-handed guy, wearing gold jewelry forbidden by Islam, with a squashed nose, that looks a little like Bin Laden. The international community has overwhelmingly found it to be fake. So what are we left with? GW Bush saying it was Bin Laden, with all "evidence" against him being top secret. Sorry, that's not good enough to shred the Constitution and condemn an entire religion. Members of the 9/11 commission have come forward and admitted that they were lied to, by the WH, the CIA, FBI, and FAA. One member quit at the very beginning, claiming the coverup stunk to high heaven. Why is there not a grand jury following up on this? Is it not as important as who Bill Clinton was diddling?; Reply to this comment


by Tom_Jablonski August 31, 2010 1:22 PM EDT: Before Mohammad, the Palestanians, Jews, and Christians in the Middle East got along pretty well with each other.

Mohammad changed that. The Crusades were pretty much a defensive reaction to the persecutions of the Muslims.

True, many of the crusaders behaved badly. This was their own individual failings, not the policy of the Church. To imply otherwise is just pouring gasoline on the fire.

The Liberals and neo-Conservatives, both religious and secular are really playing with fire regarding the CORDOBA Center (Cordoba was the center of sharia law and dhimmitude - second class citizenship - for non-Muslims in Spain). If you think this is not a celebration of the great Muslim victory of 911, come to St Louis: There is an Arch here which would make a great investment, and you can get in on the ground floor.

If the leaders of these factions do not do something to defuse this, I think there will be much violence resulting from their posturing.; Reply to this comment

by sydchaden August 31, 2010 12:40 PM EDT

The logic is irrefutable. All of the 9/11 attackers were Muslims. They stated that they were performing the attacks in the name of Islam. The major international news organizations published photographs (quickly suppressed, thereafter) of Muslims celebrating 9/11 all over the world. The Saudis claimed there were no Saudis involved, since proved untrue. Muslim leaders claimed Israel performed the attacks, since proved untrue. Usama bin Ladin said that the attacks were performed by Al Queda, in the name of Islam. Muslim leaders blamed the US for inciting the attacks. But, it is claimed now, Islam was not involved. Just as there were some Germans who opposed Hitler's invasions and the extermination of the Jews, and there were some Japanese who did not favor the war, so, Germany and Japan were not involved? Polls have shown very significant Muslim support for suicide bombers and terrorists. While only a "very few" actually perform the acts of terrorism, it appears that millions support them. If that is not true, then there should be a loud outcry from the Muslims against terrorism, not just an occasional article or speech. The fact is, only the Muslim world can quell the Islamic terrorism. I would cheer them on. When are they going to start?

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by mullerohana September 1, 2010 1:34 PM EDT: 1. All of the attackers were muslims - do you mean the accused hijackers who were partying, drinking, watching pornography and buying sex toys - days before the attack? Muslims who are about to meet Allah do not behave that way. And what attackers are you referring to? At least 7 of the 19 "hijackers" have been verified to still be alive. It's obvious the real culprits planted evidence to divert investigators in the wrong direction. Truth is we don't know who hijacked those airplanes.
2. Muslim celebrations - I never saw any muslims celebrating. The only reports I heard in that area were Israeli spies who were caught videotaping and high-fiving each other in NY while filming the attacks. They were arrested, and quickly released.
3. Bin Laden claimed responsibility - don't think so. He denied it time and again, until the conveniently found video in Afghanistan that showed a man slightly resembling Bin Laden claiming responsibility. Most countries have rejected it as a forgery.
4. Muslims support terrorism. I don't know of anyone who has openly condoned terrorism, and those that do are quickly labeled terrorists themselves. Fact is, there's a fine line between a terrorist and a patriot. Our colonial revolutionaries were called terrorists by the British. Seems like the best way to quell terrorism is for the Western countries to stop medling in the affairs of other countries. When are WE going to start?


by shafket August 31, 2010 5:39 AM EDT: From all the hate being spewed out regarding the building of the mosque near ground zero, one thing is becoming more and more evident: Certain people are dead scared of the truth being exposed regarding the 911 tragedy ...

Dont forget, not all Americans fell for the '**** and bull' hype about the alleged perpetrators of the Twin Tower attacks which ended in the loss of innocent lives of Americans of different races and religions ...

The 'mosque' controversy is too hot a potato for those who would wish this issue to be buried and forgotten as quickly and quietly as possible...

The Truth MUST and WILL come out .. We owe it to the hundreds of innocent American souls that were lost due to the actions of a few 'fanatics' ..
( The REAL perpetrators )...; Reply to this comment


by dkjack August 31, 2010 1:46 AM EDT: I'm tired of the facile garbage about the Crusades. The Crusades were no more brutal than the Islamic conquests of the lands the Crusades sought recover. That was the way of the world. The world has become more humane since then. It's obvious that Islam, holding itself apart from civilization, has not. Nor does it want to, despite the calculated assurances Muslims proffer to the Infidel.; Reply to this comment


by RobAla August 30, 2010 10:52 PM EDT: However, I do hold Islamic leaders all over the world responsible for not reigning in Muslim extremist terrorists. The Christian church was very wrong hundreds of years ago in the actions of the Crusades. It is way past time for Muslim religious leaders to stand in unity against Islamic terrorism. I see very few.; Reply to this comment


by romckri August 30, 2010 10:11 PM EDT: Look at the nerve of these Muslims they intend to lecture Americans on the Bible and what it teaches. They are going to enlighten us all and show us we are no better yet it is America with it's Christian based values that give these lowlife freedoms.

Well the can kiss my you know what. And again I would not give the the time of day. What do the or have they given anyone but pain insult and ingury; Reply to this comment


by romckri August 30, 2010 9:56 PM EDT: Notice already they come to America and they insult the main religion of Americans. They are already showing their boldness with what little privileges they have. These are a bunch to be reconed with and we must teach the some manners in my view.

I hold no respect for Islam and would not give them the time of day much less anything else for that matter. They are a rude insulting bunch who must receive what they dish out.; Reply to this comment


by mstic101 August 30, 2010 8:49 PM EDT: As the NY Times pointed out, this is really an issue because it is an election year (the 2010 version of Gay Marriage amendment-type strategy from 2004). The Times actually published the story in 12/09 and the Imam's wife was on the Bill O'Reilly show (with substitute host) who gave her support to the project. No comments until the stratgists got together circa May 2010. The people involved in this project did not attack our country and the Imam helped Bush by doing peace missions.

The hysteria surrounding this is disturbing - it is NOT OK to attack others based on different religious affiliation or cultural background. The demagogues who continually create divisive, inflammatory, and misleading narratives for political gain are the true enemy, not peaceful Muslims. Until we Americans regain our sense of true decency and true honor, something grounded in the truth and love rather than fear and hatred, we are supporting the escalation of conflict, and aiding and abeting the radicals who want to destroy this country. What news footage could be more compelling to recruit new members for Islamic radicals than this type of attack? One of the basic commandments of Christianity is the requirement to love God, neighbor, and self. Let's begin to put that into practice.; Reply to this comment