Israel Orders Halt to Controversial Mosque Construction

Voice of America, November 16, 2001

Israeli authorities have ordered Muslims in the Arab city of Nazareth to stop construction on a new mosque that has angered Christians and brought loud protests from the Vatican.

Israel says the builders do not have a proper permit, and calls the mosque a provocation.

Members of the Muslim community have suspended the project, but say they will resume work next week regardless of the permits.

Nazareth is the hometown of Jesus.

The Muslims are building the mosque over the tomb of a 13th century Islamic hero.

Christians say the the Muslims are threatening to stir up religious violence by building the mosque next to the site where they say the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would give birth to the son of God.

More TruthNews