Saudi Landmark Commission Approves New Mecca Synagogue | World
The Mecca Synagogue and Jewish Cultural Center, a 13-story Jewish cultural center proposed for a site two blocks from Mecca, an Islamic holy site, cleared its likely final hurdle when the Mecca and Medina Landmarks and Preservation Commission voted 9-0 to deny protected landmark status to the building currently occupying the site, a "I Hate The Jews" t-shirt stand.
The decision is believed to be the last legal impediment to the project going forward. The commission, whose 11 members are all appointed by Saudi King Abdullah, held its meeting yesterday morning in lower Mecca, in the shadow of the Masjid al-Haram.
Commission member Ahmed Al-Alawiwi was willing to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the proposal, saying that the building near the mosque, is a part of Islam's holy site. But Al-Alawiwi said that connection was not enough to warrant landmark status.
One cannot designate hundreds of buildings on that criteria alone. We do not landmark the sky, he said. "Unless there are Israeli F-15's in the area."
Mayor Muhammad Bloomamunda applauded the commissions decision, saying in a speech on soon after the vote that the issue touched on the foundations of Islam.
"It's all about tolerance, Islam is a religion of tolerance. And peace," Bloomamunda said. "Right?"
"You better say 'right' or we will kill you all," Bloomamunda said. "Have a nice day."