British MPs have proposed a debate in parliament to support a petition launched by two widows of victims of the Munich Games massacre to institute a minute’s silence at this summer’s Olympic Games in London.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman introduced the Early Day Motion (EDM) for a debate to discuss exerting pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to officially commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1972 atrocities in Munich at the Games.
The Munich Massacre came to international prominence during the 1972 Summer Olympics in West Germany, when 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and later killed by Palestinian terror group Black September.
Blackman’s motion has been supported by MPs from across the political divide, including Conservative Louise Mensch and Alliance MP Naomi Long. Blackman stated in his EDM that “it would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and referees to hold a minute’s silence at this year’s and every subsequent games to promote peace”.
Both the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon had previously written to the IOC in support of the some 47,000 signatories of the petition.
“Forty years has been too long to wait for an official tribute to those killed at Munich”, wrote ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman in his letter to the IOC.
“Those killed included sons, fathers, brothers and friends who came to the Olympics in the peaceful spirit of competitive athleticism, but returned home in coffins, victims of ruthless killers violently opposed to Israel’s existence.”
However, IOC president Jacques Rogge denied the request, reiterating that he will attend a planned memorial service at London’s Guildhall and any Israeli-organised events, but would not be instituting a minute’s silence in London.
In his reply to Ayalon, he explained: “The IOC has officially paid tribute to the memory of the athletes on several occasions. Within the Olympic family, the memory of the victims of the terrible massacre in Munich in 1972 will never fade away.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the decision as a “shame” and added: “Perhaps the IOC thinks anything to do with Israel is controversial. It is not a display of great courage and integrity.”

by: Shari Ryness

EJP