The new 9/11 Museum in New York City is set to open officially today. For the first week following the dedication, the facility will be open exclusively to 9/11 families.
Among the features and exhibits at the new museum is a short documentary video that accurately portrays the hijackers as Islamists bent on carrying out a “deadly jihad.”
Critics feel that the religion of Islam needs to be portrayed as a peaceful religion sullied by a handful of extremists, while the phrase “jihad” is actually “an Islamic struggle to do good.”
Not surprisingly, the Council on American-Islamic Relations is unhappy about the linkage. But somewhat surprisingly, they have company. Via Front Page Magazine:
Amidst a barrage of controversy and criticism, the 9/11 museum officials stand firm in their decision to air a documentary on Al-Qaeda without censorship of Islam-related language.
The 911 Museum will open to the public on May 21, 2014, with a preview period for 9/11 families and survivors from May 15, 2014 to May 20, 2014.
Included is a 7-minute documentary titled, “[T]he Rise of Al-Qaeda.” It shows footage of Al-Qaeda’s journey over the prior several years on the way to 9/11, from its training camps to a series of terrorist attacks. The film will be adjacent to a room displaying photos of the 9/11 hijackers.
The film portrays the 9/11 hijackers as “Islamists” who viewed their mission as a “deadly jihad.” After all, in the words of the hijackers: “[M]any thanks to Allah for his kind gesture and choosing us to perform the act of jihad for his cause and to defend Islam and Muslims.” So, it was the hijackers themselves that believed they were on a jihadi mission for the cause of Islam.
The film has been thoroughly vetted and its accuracy is not in dispute. But an advisory panel of interfaith clergy who previewed the film is complaining about the use of the words “Islamist” and “jihad,” insisting that the jihadists should be shown in a greater “context” that portrays most Muslims as peaceful.
Reverend Chloe Breyer (Justice Breyer’s daughter), who preaches at Saint Philips Church in Harlem, wants the video to show Islam as a peace-loving religion where only a few outliers like the 9/11 hijackers are violent. She believes that the word “jihad” is an Islamic struggle to do good and that the film in its current form may justify bigotry or violence unless accompanied by a disclaimer. [Emphasis added]
Haven’t the liberal media provided enough of a disclaimer for the radical Islamists who have frequently been behind terror attacks? Glad to see the 9/11 Museum stand up for the truth, a truth that must never be forgotten.
Cross-posted at the Mental Recession
