The developer of a controversial Islamic center planned to be built near ground zero is expected to attend an Iftar dinner hosted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The guest list for the annual dinner Tuesday includes Sharif el-Gamal, the developer of a lower Manhattan complex that includes a mosque, and Daisy Khan, a co-founder of the group planning the mosque.
The proposed community center and mosque is two blocks north of the World Trade Center site. Opponents say it is insensitive to build an Islamic center so close to a site where nearly 3,000 people were killed by Islamic extremists.
Bloomberg has been among the most outspoken supporters of the mosque. He says people should be allowed to worship wherever they wish.
Iftar refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
