So they can “educate” you about Islam…

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A Muslim activist organization that urged Congress to withhold funding from the 9/11 museum says it has secured $4 million in public funds to buy its own community center in Manhattan.

The organization is Muslim Community Network. Its fundraising campaign declares: “MCN has raised $4 million in public funds to purchase the lots.”

Its promotional brochure identifies the proposed cultural and education center at 866 Second Avenue. It features photographs of a marble-patterned reception area, the building’s glass entrance and a conference room overlooking Manhattan.

The stated purpose: “educating the global community about the deep and rich history of Muslim Americans.”

MCN wants a permanent platform to tell that history. Its website announces its broader mission with the slogan “Muslims Defining Our Own Narrative.”

But when the National September 11 Memorial & Museum sought additional federal funding, MCN demanded that it change its approach to telling history first.

In written testimony submitted to Congress in July 2024, MCN executive director Husein Yatabarry accused the museum of allowing “anti-Muslim rhetoric” in its exhibits.

He urged lawmakers to block additional funding until the museum made changes, including reinstating a multifaith committee to review exhibits and creating an academic council to prevent what he described as conflating Islam with Al-Qaeda.

“I urge the Subcommittee to withhold additional funding until these necessary changes are made,” he wrote.

A coalition statement signed by Yatabarry went directly after the museum’s treatment of the terrorist organization behind the attacks. It singled out “The Rise of Al Qaeda” video for updates reflecting “a more balanced perspective.”

The coalition accused the museum of fueling anti-Islamic rhetoric. It opposed the additional funding bill until its recommendations were addressed. Its signatories included executives from CAIR-NY, Emgage NY and the Interfaith Center of New York alongside MCN.

That is the organization New York politicians chose to help acquire a permanent cultural institution of its own.

The original city allocations total $3.233 million.

Mark Levine’s Manhattan borough president’s office allocated $2 million in fiscal 2026 for MCN to acquire a condominium at 866 Second Avenue.

City Council records identify another $1.183 million jointly sponsored by then-Speaker Adrienne Adams, Keith Powers and Julie Menin. Gale Brewer sponsored a separate $50,000. Both Council awards were for building acquisition.

MCN already markets its views on Islamophobia to public institutions. Its Impact Academy lists public schools and city agencies among its audiences. Training includes examining anti-Muslim bias and learning to “counter harmful narratives.”

Its political demands also extend to immigration enforcement.

MCN signed a January 2026 letter demanding that Congress halt funding for ICE and Border Patrol. The coalition also wanted previously approved funding revoked, citing deaths and alleged abuses involving federal agents.

“Congress must refuse to provide one dollar,” the letter demanded before naming the agencies.

MCN sought conditions on additional money for the 9/11 museum and a funding cutoff for immigration enforcement. For its own Manhattan community center, it is celebrating millions in government backing.

Every investigation I publish takes hours of digging through documents, tracing your tax dollars, and checking the facts. Your paid subscription helps fund that work. If you value the stories I uncover and want me to keep digging, please consider upgrading today. It makes a real difference, and I’m grateful for your support. — Natalie