IOC Rejects Moment of Silence in London for Munich Victims
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) denied a request on Tuesday to hold a moment of silence at the opening ceremonies of this year’s London Olympics, for the Israeli athletes murdered in the 1972 Munich massacre, Ynet reported.
The families of the 11 victims had requested that the IOC mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy, but IOC President Jacques Rogge said he had no choice but to reject the request.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon had also expressed his support for a moment of silence at the opening ceremonies, saying in a letter to the IOC that doing so would “send a clear message that we must not forget the terrible events 40 years ago in Munich, lest they happen again.”
Rogge sent a written response to Ayalon this week.
“The International Olympic Committee has held official memorials for the athletes a number of times,” Rogge wrote. “The memory of the victims of the horrible slaughter in Munich in 1972 will never fade in the Olympic family.”
Rogge added that IOC members would attend memorial ceremonies organized by the Israeli delegation.
According to the CBC, Ayalon called the response “unacceptable” as it “rejects the central principles of global fraternity on which the Olympic ideal is supposed to rest.”
The massacre represented “an attack on the Olympic Games and the international community," Ayalon said. “Thus it is necessary for the Olympic Games as a whole to commemorate this event in the open rather than only in a side event.”
Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yigal Palmor said that although the IOC was polite in its rejection, the committee passed up the opportunity to make a broader point with a moment of silence.
“It's a shame. The IOC is treating this as an internal Israeli matter but [the Munich massacre] is of concern to the whole Olympic family, it was an onslaught on the whole Olympic ideal,” Palmor said.
“But perhaps [the IOC] thinks anything to do with Israel is controversial. It is not a display of great courage and integrity.”
Fake Mohamed Morsy Twitter account indicated that Egyptian President sent letters to top Israeli politicians
“We Remember Munich,” says Defence Minister, Ehud Barak
Kadima-Likud alliance lasts just 70 days
Shalom Life and LIFE Magazine take you back to 1948
Ehud Olmert found guilty on one of three charges
Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz warns PM to present draft law by Friday
“We Remember Munich,” says Defence Minister, Ehud Barak
Kadima-Likud alliance lasts just 70 days
Shalom Life and LIFE Magazine take you back to 1948
Ehud Olmert found guilty on one of three charges
Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz warns PM to present draft law by Friday
PA to investigate whether former leader was murdered; many already blaming Israel
The 19 year old sophomore sat on the exam table looking at the floor. A college student with obvious charm
In 1971, researchers set up a prison in the basement of Stanford University's Psychology Department. The idea was to
As I have tried to make abundantly clear the United States is the only country in the industrialized world that
Alright, that does it.Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans have been willing to do their part for
A study appeared in a journal titled “Obesity” which was reported by a group from the University of Colorado. In
Sixty-five years ago today, World War II officially came to an end. On September 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Minister
Share This Story With Your Friends!
Friend's Name:
Friend's E-Mail:
(This information will not be displayed publicly)
Optional Message:
