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Hundreds of protesters both in favor and against the construction of an Islamic community center a few blocks away from ground zero rallied in downtown New York Sunday amid the national debate over the facility.

Police estimated that by 11:30 a.m. supporters of the center numbered up to 250, and critics numbered about 450. The groups included religious leaders from the Muslim community, firefighters, construction workers. Civil rights activists and families of the victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01.

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