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 NEW YORK : The ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York Saturday had seen construction for the new World Trade Center buildings taking shape, including a memorial for the nearly 3,000 people killed by terrorists that day.But this year, the commemoration was shaken by two particular outside events: A surge of anti-Muslim feelings reeling across the country over plans to erect a mosque and Islamic community center just two blocks from Ground Zero; and the determination of a Christian pastor in Florida to spark a mass burning of the holy book of Muslims, the Quran. Contrasting with such tensions is the mood of joyful religious celebrations at week's end. Muslims have ended their holy month of Ramadan with Eid-ul-Fitr, on Saturday, while Jews have celebrated their New Year, Rosh Hashana. At the Islamic Cultural Center in Manhattan's Upper East-side, Muslim faithful have gathered after sunset to mark the end of Ramadan. But some Muslim groups, like the Council of Muslim Organizations in greater Washington, have urged their members to avoid Eid celebrations on Saturday to defuse the tensions, the Washington Post reported. Some families have toned down the normally festive celebration. Manhattan's Empire State building had found a diplomatic way to honor both the city's estimated 800,000 Muslims and the 9/11 anniversary: On Friday, it lit up its tower green in honor of Eid. On Saturday, the lighting was red, white and blue in honor of the victims of the attacks. This year, visitors to Ground Zero finally got an idea of what the future site will look like after years of debris removal and debate. Developers and owners of the World Trade Center site have finally agreed on funding for the new towers to be built at the 6.5-hectare site. In addition to the Memorial Museum and the new World Trade Center buildings, there will be a cultural center. Site completion is targeted for 2014. AGENCIES | |