Sharif El-Gamal, born on December 23, 1973, is a Palestinian-American real estate developer based in New York City. He is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Soho Properties, established in 2004, which focuses on property development and investment in Manhattan, particularly in the SoHo district. El-Gamal gained international prominence in 2010 as the lead developer behind the proposed Park51 Islamic community center and mosque, planned for a site two blocks from the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The project, intended as a community space including a prayer area, gym, and cultural center, sparked intense controversy and opposition from anti-Muslim activists and conservative figures who dubbed it the 'Ground Zero Mosque.' Despite legal approvals and support from some interfaith groups, the full vision for Park51 has not been realized, with the site later repurposed for other uses by El-Gamal's firm. The backlash highlighted tensions around Islam in post-9/11 America and positioned El-Gamal as a frequent target for Islamophobic rhetoric. Beyond Park51, El-Gamal has been involved in other real estate ventures, including luxury condominium developments in SoHo, and has faced criticism and legal challenges related to his projects, though no major criminal convictions are documented. His work continues to intersect with cultural and religious dynamics in New York, reflecting his dual American and Palestinian identity.