Local 9/11 families support mosque near Ground Zero

ALBANY- It's been almost nine years since Frank Tatum lost his mother on 9/11. "I think about it everyday. I miss her warmth and her smile. She was probably the most unselfish person I've ever met in my entire life" says Tatum.

While many family members who lost loved ones on 9/11 share the same feelings on those that they lost, they differ in their opinions on an Islamic mosque proposed just blocks away from Ground Zero.

President Barack Obama defended the idea. "This is America. Our committment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are" the President emphatically stated on Friday.

While one poll shows that 2/3 of Americans believe the plan for the mosque is disrespectful and are against the idea, Frank Tatum and other local Capital Region families who lost loved ones on 9/11 actually support the President and this mosque.

"I think it's important not to give into the hysteria. We do have religious freedom.  I know the wounds are still very open, me myslef included but you have to look at the big picture. You can't practice these freedoms only when it suits us.  You have to practice them all along" says Tatum.

Another local family member who wished to remain nameless tells CBS 6 "I think it's a wonderful idea."

Shamshad Ahmad is the president for the Masjid As-Salm mosque in Colonie.

"There are many ignorant people that don't know about Muslims and Islam.  Blindly they think 9/11 has something to do with Islam and Muslims and mosques.  I think people are against it for political and sentimental reasons. Mosques are a part of the institutions of this society and we have nothing to do with 9/11." says Ahmad.

As for local leaders, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office sent up this statement. "The local community board, which includes many people who lived through the 9/11 attacks, overwhelmingly voted to approve this proposal and Senator Gillibrand, as she has said numerous times, understands the emotional concerns over this issue and is supporting the local community board's decision."

Congressman Paul Tonko says "In this country we hold dear our right to religious freedom, and to deny that right for any reason is simply un-American.  Ultimately, this decision is up to the people of New York City."

Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Scott Murphy chose not to comment on the issue.