Update, August 2016: Finally, after 44 years, the Olympics have given proper recognition to the 11 Israeli athletes brutally killed in Munich. A memorial sculpture, called Place of Mourning, will be installed in the athletes' village of every future Olympics.
I was 11 years old and a fanatical sports fan. I could stay glued to the TV and radio for hours on end, rooting for my hometown teams. The pinnacle sporting event was the Olympics, providing not only a panoply of world-class athletics, but a once-in-four-year opportunity to root for my “special Jewish home team”: Israel.
The 1972 Munich Olympics started with a bang. Mark Spitz, the mustachioed Jewish-American swimmer (who proudly participated in Israel’s Maccabiah Games) entered seven swimming events – and promptly set an incredible seven world records in the course of winning a record seven gold medals.
For American Jews, this was a huge source of pride. The last Olympics held on German soil – the 1936 Games in Berlin – were exploited as a Nazi showcase festooned with goose-stepping and swastikas. Hitler’s rabid anti-Semitism infected the athletic events as well: Two Jewish-American runners – Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller – were removed from the U.S. lineup at the last second, thus becoming the only members of the U.S. squad to travel to Berlin and not compete. For the racist Nazis, it was enough that a black man – Jesse Owens – had won the prestigious 100-meter dash; Hitler reportedly asked U.S. officials not to embarrass him any further by having two Jews win gold in Berlin.
Spitzer believed that in the Olympics there are no borders nor animosities.
The 1972 Munich games promised to usher in a new era of global sportsmanship. Ankie Spitzer, the wife of Israeli fencing coach Andre Spitzer, told Aish.com how they spotted some Lebanese athletes in Munich. “Andre decided to walk over and strike up a conversation with them. I told him, ‘Are you crazy? We’re at war with Lebanon!’ Andre looked at me and said, ‘Here there are no borders, no animosities.’ I’ll never forget when he finished speaking with them and shaking hands, he turned toward me with a huge smile said, ‘I’ve been dreaming of this. This is exactly what the Olympics are all about.’”
The atmosphere was open and free; the security guards did not even carry weapons. (Compare to this year's London Olympics whose billion-dollar security force includes facial recognition technology, scrambling jets and surface-to-air missiles.) At the opening ceremonies, as a symbol of peace and unity, thousands of Bavarian doves were released into the Olympic stadium.
The Munich Games were viewed as a rectification of another kind as well. Several members of the Israeli Olympic team either had family members murdered by the Nazis, or were themselves survivors. Weightlifter Ze'ev Friedman was born in Poland at the height of the war; weightlifting coach Yakov Springer participated in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising; race-walker Shaul Ladany was interned in Bergen-Belsen. The Munich Games were held just 15 miles from the Dachau concentration camp, and a contingent of Israeli athletes visited on the eve of the Games, confident that these secure, serene Olympics would lay to rest some of the 6 million demons. Israeli sprinter Esther Roth – whose outstanding performance at the Munich Games (11.45 seconds in the 100-meter dash) still stands four decades later as the Israeli national record – spoke of a historical triumph in representing the Jewish State on German soil.
Related Article: Spielberg Phone Home
Scaling the Fence
And then it happened. At 5 a.m. on September 5th, eight Palestinians – disguised as athletes and carrying gym bags decorated with the Olympic rings – scaled the fence of the Olympic Village. Those bags contained not running shoes, but Kalashnikov rifles and hand grenades. Using stolen keys, they broke into the Israeli men’s dormitory, quickly killed two athletes, and took nine others hostage.
In one moment, the Olympic ideal had burst into a horrific collision of unity versus destruction, peace versus war. I was frightened and confused, my youthful innocence shattered with that first bitter taste of Jewish life's most painful realities.
My parents tried to calm me down, assuring me that everything would be alright. With a mixture of fear and confusion I waited moment by moment, hour after hour, as deadlines passed and the drama played out to a worldwide audience of one billion: Palestinian terrorists in frightening ski masks… threatening to execute one Israeli every hour… an attempt to storm the building called off when the terrorists themselves began monitoring these developments by watching live television coverage… demanding a plane to Cairo… the transfer of all terrorists and hostages by helicopter to nearby Fürstenfeldbruck airfield… and the growing uncertainty of what would be.
A shootout erupted at the airport. Initial reports came in: All the hostages were alive. All the attackers killed.
What was only a rumor had cruelly mutated into fact. Israeli newspapers hit the streets bearing banner headlines: “Hostages in Munich Rescued.” Ankie Spitzer, watching the drama unfold at her parents' house in Belgium, was offered a bottle of champagne. Prime Minister Golda Meir went to bed believing that German forces had rescued the nine athletes.
With a sense of enormous relief, I went to bed, too.
When I awoke, the look on my father's face told me that something was horribly wrong. The German plan to save the hostages had been botched in every conceivable way. A group of 17 police officers who'd been positioned on the airplane to ambush the terrorists cowardly abandoned their mission at the last minute. German law precluded any involvement by the army, and the Germans stubbornly refused the assistance of Israeli special forces. The rescue effort was led by Munich's Chief of Police, who'd been charged with involuntary manslaughter after blundering a bank robbery months earlier.
Incredibly, three weeks before the massacre, an informant told the German Embassy in Beirut about Palestinian plans for "an incident" during the Olympics. Four days later, the German Foreign Ministry alerted Munich authorities and advised them to "take all possible security measures." (The measures were never taken; the evidence suppressed for decades.)
The police rescue team was wholly inadequate to neutralize the eight terrorists.
The rescue team – consisting of just five snipers – was wholly inadequate to neutralize the eight terrorists. None of the snipers possessed specialized training, nor were they equipped with night-vision goggles or telescopic sights. They had no radio contact, thus unable to coordinate their fire. No armored vehicles were at the scene; those called in later got stuck in traffic. A SWAT team arrived by helicopter an hour late and landed more than a mile from the action.
In the chaotic two-hour gun battle, all nine Israeli athletes were killed, strafed by Palestinian gunfire, then torched by grenades as they sat helplessly bound in the helicopters.
Jim McKay of ABC delivered the heartbreaking news:
When I was a kid, my father used to say, "Our greatest hopes and our worst fears are seldom realized." Our worst fears have been realized tonight. They've now said that there were 11 hostages. Two were killed in their rooms yesterday morning; nine were killed at the airport tonight. They're all gone.
All gone.
The surviving Israeli athletes pulled out of competition and accompanied the 10 coffins back to Israel. The body of weightlifter David Berger, a young American attorney who had recently emigrated to Israel, was sent back to his hometown of Cleveland. Mark Spitz was also quickly evacuated, for fear he might be the next target.
Meanwhile, competition at the games had continued as usual until 3 p.m. that day, some 10 hours into the crisis. Events were suspended only after Brundage faced a growing barrage of criticism. According to Time magazine, during the standoff, Brundage’s primary concern was to "remove the crisis from the Olympic Village," as if to say, "There's no way we can save the hostages, so let's at least save the Games."
After the massacre, many called for a cancellation of the Games. “You give a party, and someone is killed at the party, you don't continue the party,” Dutch distance runner Jos Hermens declared. “I'm going home.”
Yet despite opposition from both Olympic officials and German organizers, Brundage was steadfast in his refusal to cancel or postpone the Games. Competition resumed after a memorial service where Brundage made little reference to the murdered athletes, and equated the deadly attack with a controversy over whether to allow Rhodesia's participation in the Games. Brundage resolutely declared: "The Games must go on.” In response, 80,000 people cheered, prompting the New York Times to describe the memorial service as “more like a pep rally.”
Not everyone took it so lightly. A cousin of murdered Israeli wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg, Carmel Eliash, collapsed during the memorial service and died of a heart attack. Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times wrote at the time: “Incredibly, they're going on with it. It's almost like having a dance at Dachau.”
"I'll run, but I don't feel like running," U.S. marathoner Kenny Moore said. "Until now, I think almost everyone felt the Olympics were a symbol of something so important. Now this insanity. What's important after this?"
Operation Wrath of God
From the standpoint of modern terror, Munich was the beginning of the end, a seminal event proving that terrorism works. In the words of one Al Qaeda activist, the Olympic massacre was "the greatest media victory and… a great propaganda strike."
Emboldened, Palestinian guerillas struck again less than two months later, hijacking a German airliner and demanding the release of the three surviving Munich terrorists. Without consulting the Israeli government, German Chancellor Willy Brandt capitulated and released the terrorists, who were promptly flown to Libya and given a hero’s welcome.
Guri Weinberg, son of murdered wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg, portrayed his father in the film.
To promote Israeli deterrence, Prime Minister Golda Meir ordered the assassination of all those involved in the massacre. Some were eliminated in Europe by well-placed bombs; others were struck down in an operation – headed by now-Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak – that secretly landed boats on a Lebanese beach and boldly gunned down Palestinian terrorist leaders in downtown Beirut. The efficacy of these operations was depicted in Steven Spielberg’s controversial 2005 film, Munich. (In an eerie melding of Hollywood and reality, Israeli actor Guri Weinberg, the son of murdered wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg, portrayed his father in the film.)
Not everyone involved in the Munich massacre, however, received their due punishment. Munich mastermind Abu Daoud has repeatedly said that funds for the massacre were provided by Mahmoud Abbas, current President of the Palestinian Authority. Indeed, when Amin Al-Hindi, one of the senior planners of the attack, died in 2010, Abbas led a PA-sponsored funeral, complete with red carpet and military band. The official PA daily described Al-Hindi as "one of the stars who sparkled... at the sports stadium in Munich." (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 20, 2010)
London 2012
Which brings us to today. Over the past 40 years, the bereaved families have expectantly waited for expressions of remorse and responsibility from German officials. "If they would only say to us, 'Look, we tried, we didn't know what we were doing, we didn't mean for what happened to happen, we're sorry' – that would be the end of it," widow Ankie Spitzer told Aish.com. "But they've never even said that."
The victims’ families have made one specific request of the Olympic Committee: To hold a moment of silence at the Opening Ceremonies. The purpose is to acknowledge that this horrific slaughter is grieved not by Israel alone, but by the entire community of nations.
“Silence is a fitting tribute,” says Spitzer. “Silence contains no statements, assumptions or beliefs, and requires no understanding of language to interpret.” People are welcome to reflect, pray, and remember the athletes in their own way.
This, the families say, would provide much-needed closure.
Soon after the massacre, Spitzer wrote her first letter to the Olympic Committee. She did not ask “if” a commemoration would be held at the 1976 Montreal Games, but rather “what.” She simply assumed that the Olympic Committee would be doing something.
The letter went unanswered.
Year after year, Spitzer pressed her case, attending every Summer Olympics (except Moscow 1980), never giving up. "I have no political or religious agenda. Our message is not one of hatred or revenge. It's a positive message of remembrance and strengthening the Olympic ideals," Spitzer says. "Forty years is long enough to wait."
The Olympic Committee has stubbornly refused on the grounds it would “politicize the Olympics.”
In recent months, the power of the Internet has spread the story and over 100,000 people from 155 different countries have signed a petition demanding this moment of silence. The U.S. Congress, Canadian Parliament, German Bundestag, Australian House of Representatives and others have all passed unanimous resolutions reiterating this very reasonable demand. President Barack Obama has joined the call as well. But the Olympic Committee has stubbornly refused - ostensibly on the grounds it would "politicize the Olympics."
This week, the Olympic Committee held an unscheduled moment of silence in the Olympic Village during a small ceremony attended by a few dozen people. "I would like to start today's ceremony by honoring the memory of 11 Israeli Olympians who shared the ideals and have brought us together in this beautiful Olympic Village," said IOC President Jacques Rogge. Some saw this as a shameful ploy to deflect criticism as the victims' families demand a tribute at the opening ceremonies, viewed by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
To his great credit, Bob Costas of NBC Sports, has promised his own "minute of silence" at the opening ceremonies – perhaps turning off his broadcasting microphone when the Israeli delegation enters.
And yet, with this very refusal the Olympics are being politicized. Olympic officials have said that if an official tribute were to take place, all Arab delegations (including those oil-rich states which provide Olympic funding) would quit the Olympics. In other words, rather than raise the Olympic ideal above politics, the Olympic committee is capitulating to anti-Semitic forces. Just like another international body, the United Nations, the Olympic movement is being shamefully hijacked by a bloc of Arab, Muslim and dictatorial Third World forces who undermine the trust and goodwill upon which the Olympics has always stood.
Olympic officials told Spitzer that their "hands were tied" by these political considerations. "No," Spitzer says she responded, "my husband's hands were tied, not yours."
Hijacking the Games
This is a crucial moment where the Olympic committee needs to stand up and prevent its descent into folly. This is not an internal Israeli matter, nor about political posturing or revenge. It is about doing justice to the memory of 11 men who came in peace and went home in coffins. The victims were killed not on the streets of Tel Aviv, nor accidental tourists at Munich. Rather they were members of the Olympic family, murdered inside the Olympic village as participants in the Games. It was an onslaught against the entire Olympic ideal.
I do not cast the charge of "anti-Semitism" lightly. If the slain athletes had been American, British, or Palestinian for that matter, does anyone doubt that the Olympic Committee would hold a fitting memorial tribute? Why did the opening ceremonies include mentions of the Bosnian War in 1996, and the 2002 Games opened with a minute of silence for victims of 9/11? Why, when it comes to Israel, does all the talk about "brotherhood" and "unity" seem to fall by the wayside?
Says Spitzer: "After listening to all the lame excuses for 40 years, I can only come to one conclusion: It is anti-Israel, anti-Jewish discrimination."
The Olympic committee has a longstanding reputation for hypocrisy and corruption. It was this same Avery Brundage who exhibited anti-Semitism the previous time the Olympics were held on German soil. Two years prior to the 1936 Berlin Games, Brundage traveled to meet with German government officials to discuss protocol at the Games. Upon his return, he reported: "I was given positive assurance... that there will be no discrimination against Jews. You can't ask more than that and I think the guarantee will be fulfilled." Yet when push came to shove, it was Brundage himself who appeased Hitler and removed the two Jewish athletes from the American lineup.
In recent years we’ve seen this “tolerance for anti-Semitism” as well: At the 2004 Olympics (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing), Iran ordered its athletes not to compete against Israelis. The Olympic Committee’s disciplinary response? Nothing.
The nightmare of Munich affected me deeply. Four years later, the 1976 Summer Olympics were held in Montreal, not far from my home in western New York. In a dream come true, my parents took me to an Olympic soccer match featuring the Israeli national team. We cheered wildly for our “home team.” But things could never be the same.
When the Israeli team entered Montreal stadium for those Opening Ceremonies, the Israeli national flag was adorned with a black ribbon. To me, that black ribbon represented more than the memory of the Munich 11. It spoke of the stark reality of the world's repeated failure to stand up when Jews are being threatened. Whether a refusal to bomb the railroad tracks to Auschwitz; a reluctance to stop the Iranian nuclear program; the utter failure to protect Israeli athletes when Jewish blood was shed once again on German soil; the inability to muster even one minute of silence in their memory.
For 2,000 years of exile, the Jewish people have suffered repeated disdain in the eyes of the nations. How apt that the opening ceremonies in London will be taking place this Friday night – on Tisha B'Av, the very day in Jewish history which marks the destruction of our unifying focus, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Some things never change. For we are the eternal nation… that dwells alone.
Yizkor –
We Remember
David Berger (weightlifter)
Ze'ev Friedman (weightlifter)
Yossef Gutfreund (wrestling referee)
Eliezer Halfin (wrestler)
Yossef Romano (weightlifter)
Amitzur Shapira (track coach)
Kehat Shorr (shooting coach)
Mark Slavin (wrestler)
Andre Spitzer (fencing coach)
Yakov Springer (weightlifting judge)
Moshe Weinberg (wrestling coach)
(119) Ray Diggs2, September 21, 2012 12:09 AM
As a sports fan/writer i remember watching this unfold before my eyes as an eight-year old. And 40 years later the IOC didn't have the class and guts to remember & honor the murdered athletes & surviving families was so disrespectful (that's what PC will do for & to you). ESPN was even worse by replaying the 1972 Munich games after the 2012 London games were history. Bowing down like cowards for the radical Muslims.
(118) morivetta eka, August 16, 2012 3:06 AM
very sorry. my family and I join in remembering.
we are very sorry for not remembering the loss of these Jewish lives.
(117) V, August 14, 2012 3:01 PM
Alone? Not really.
"American gymnast Aly Raisman has revealed the music for her gold medal-winning floor routine at the London Olympics was a tribute to the victims of the 1972 Munich Games terror attack. The 18-year-old said choosing Hava Nagila- a traditional score used for wedding dances and bat mitzvah - was a response to the International Olympic Committee's failure to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy." Alone? Not really.
(116) Anonymous, August 6, 2012 3:58 AM
Outrage
Outrage is one of the many words that springs to mind. I can not even bear to read this article, yet. I however, did read about Jacques Rogge and the opinion of a variety of pundits that the "games" were not to become a "political forum." I can barely say any more, or it will easily become a tirade against covert anti-Jewish sentiment, and thinly veiled anti-Semitic sentiment. suffice to say - 60 seconds is a not even a dot in the continuum of Eternity. It would behoove these very important individuals to reconsider HONOURING human life, and particuliarly the murder of humans. I can never again revel in the "olympics," as a particuliarly meaningful event, not when human life is considered disposable depending upon "the feelings," of the pundit. This organization, in my opinion, has shown a very basic lack of decency, common sense, and respect for others. The utter disregard for this sickening event shows a profound lack of judgment and respect for the human community and is a heart-wrenching insult to the memory of the Murdered Israeli athletes. What a terrible SICK group of "people."
(115) Theresa, August 5, 2012 2:09 AM
Never Alone
That year marked shadows on the games. The games have always held significant historical tragedies and the loss of life due to hatred toward Israel snuffed out even the tiny spark left in the Olympic Flame. May G-d have mercy.
(114) hana, August 1, 2012 2:04 AM
i dont think Irsael mourns alone the world may choose not to remember the Ha SHem maker of heaven and earth and lord over the nations never slumbers nor sleeps and never forgets
(113) Ary N, July 30, 2012 12:38 AM
OLYMPIC SILENCE???
Do we really need a sorry? I don't think it matters. If we strengthen our spiritual selves and fight our real enemy Sinas chinam we will not need pproval from oher nations
Anonymous, August 2, 2012 8:08 AM
I think that you maybe missing the point. No-one is asking for a 'sorry' nor an 'apology'. They are simply asking for those Israeli athletes that were victims that lost their lives at the 'Olympic Games' to be remembered. By denying this one minute of silence, or even 30 secs, is in itself, making the issue political.
(112) Ralph Marcus, July 29, 2012 8:13 PM
The Jew haters and the IOC
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/07/27/why-ioc-will-never-memorialize-72-munich-massacre/ This web site says it all.
(111) Anonymous, July 29, 2012 3:03 PM
Expect Nothing in a World which cares about Noone
whilst personally I would have much preferred a public minutes silence, one should remember that the world does not recall many terrorist acts or mass murders etc. Or does Israels PM when in Moscow visit any memorail to the Gulags and stalinist victims? Or does Obama when in Indonesia spend a second recalling the mass murder of Ethnic chinese - the year of living dangerously ? Or does anyone visit a memorail to the dead at the Berlin wall? Or to the millions who fell victim to the Khmer rouge if in Cambodia? No. Does any official visiting Kiev recall the mass starvation of millions of Ukranians by Stalin? Or if they visit USA, recall the dsiplacement and mass murder of native Indians? Coz the bottom line is noone cares about anyone - so unfortunately its nothing specific anti-Jewish. but its also asking too much: in a world where noone cares - including many Jews not caring about the plight of Non Jews who are persecuted say in Urkaine don't expect anything else.
Anonymous, July 29, 2012 8:32 PM
What is your point
Really not addressing the OLYMPICS and these athletes killed at the OLYMPICS - not gulags, pogroms, etc. The vitriole of the antisemites has already reared its ugly head in London and it seems on this board.
Anonymous, August 5, 2012 1:02 PM
Special treatment
Addressing the special treatment ie remembrance being requested. So its on point. If you visit Madrid do you recall the victims of the Islamic terrorist attack there ? Of course not. If in London? Of course not. If at Frankfurt airport of course not. If in Bali? Of course not. If in Mumbai? Of course not. So the point is don't overdo it. It will create resentment amongst all the other victims and their relatives which never get recalled, who will ask, why the special treatment? So itat the olympics? Yes go to Munich, visit the memorial there and if the Board cannot be bothered recalling its their problem, not mine. But lets not overdo it.
Anonymous, July 29, 2012 11:06 PM
I disagree
The Olympics is a public event. The murders happened publicly and were televised. There have been memorials created for those who were killed in those countries. None were created for those killed at the Olympics. The world needs to have a message that the violence was not ok. That event gave a green light to all the Arab atrocities that followed. Nobody has ever expressed regret over what happened to those Jews. Yes, I think it's anti-semitic.
Anonymous, August 5, 2012 12:56 PM
Journalists
Part of the problem was that the international media actually televised how the police security forces tried to storm the rooms where the terrorists were holding the hostages and all the terrorists had to do was to switch on the TV and see what was happening on the roof. Its a scandal that the international media has not even picked upon, and most Israelis are unaware of prefering to only blame German bad organisation. Your mistaken, memorials exist in Germany re the Munich olypmpics and there has been much documentation and debate on the failed rescue missions, with secret documents now beeing opened up. Your also mistaken about other violence: just coz it doesn't affect Jewish people it means it doesn't happen, the world gives a green light to North Korea starving people to death today, no outcry nothing. Or does anyone say a word about the anti Sinti and Roma porgroms in Czech Republic today? Isareli press is equally silend, its not convenient to mention that an ally of Israel is persecuting a minority, and Sinti and Roma are not Jews, so why should we care. So my point is take it into perspective, and don't put it necessarily down to a antisemitism. As for Arab atrocities they happened well before Munich and did not need a green light. As for the board perhaps they are antisemitic but in truth, everyone knows that the Brits are much more antisemtic than most contienntal europeans.
(110) John Rivera, July 29, 2012 5:22 AM
I had met David Berger in '72, years later competed in 1st Memorial Teen championship in N.Y.C.
I got to meet David Better as a beginning young Olympic Weightlifter. A few years later I competed in the 1st David Berger Memorial Teenage Olympic Weightlifting Championships held at McBurney YMCA in N.Y.C.
(109) iTa, July 28, 2012 10:55 AM
Time to draw near
Reminder that success comes by wisdom, but no amount of intelligence can stand against the Lord's sovereign will, and that in the end a good and kind heart is better than great wealth and power.
(108) Peter, July 28, 2012 12:59 AM
Israel is not alone
Carol, much as I understand your frustration, Israel and the Jews do not stand alone. There are millions of decent minded people who are appalled by the hateful anti-semitism of the UN and the Olympic Committee. World leaders, including even that dhimmwit Barack Obama asked for recognition of the murdered Israeli athletes. Of course, the muslim bloc knows that they are full of hot air and won't actually do anything. Israel, the US, Australia, India, Canada, and other democracies should simply have stopped for a minute anyway.
(107) BobN, July 27, 2012 8:57 PM
The outrage
The dead of the 1972 massacre have been remembered at several Olympics. When you ask yourselves why not again this time, remember, too, the dead of 7/7 in London itself. Why are their deaths not being honored??? Is it because they were Jews!?!?!?!!? Oh, wait. They weren't... Nevermind. Let's get back to the outrage...
(106) Anonymous, July 27, 2012 8:13 PM
I think that the greatest honor for the martyrs and sanctification of Hashems name, would be for the israeli athletes to have 49 hours of silence and not play on shabbat and tisha b'av.
(105) Joan MacNeish, July 27, 2012 6:38 PM
Ashamed
Such inaction on bahalf of so many who could have done so much, is more than a shame and embarassment; it's criminal! God will not forget. Those who allowed such travesty then and continuing will be held accountable.
(104) David Paul Silverstone, July 27, 2012 6:16 PM
Memorial
I really hope they have it. We've waited 40 years, and Israel and Iran may be at war in as soon as 1 week. If another incident happens in London, and there was not a memorial for Munich, how can we ever forgive ourselves? We can't.
(103) neska, July 27, 2012 12:47 PM
a flag would be better
i think the moment of silence would not be as effective as carrying alongside the israeli flag, a flag with all the faces and names of those murdered in 1972. i think that would bring a silence to some people and perhaps would begin to spur questions for those that were not even born in 1972.
Mike, July 29, 2012 10:15 PM
How about a coffin?
What if they carried in 11 coffins draped in the israeli flag?
(102) Susan Anne Woolley, July 27, 2012 11:36 AM
You're not alone
Dear Israel, be assured you are NOT alone. You do have friends. We're small in number, it's true. But nevertheless, you have friends. And 1000s of us around the globe today paid our respects. Am Yisrael chai.
(101) Miiriam, July 27, 2012 9:09 AM
I Remember
I am not a Jew. But I remember and I cried. I watched Munich. I felt and do feel your pain. I keep the Jewish people and Israel in my prayers. God will vindicate. He will come for you.
(100) Carol Mizrahi, July 27, 2012 2:01 AM
Remember: Nothing changes!
REMEMBER: In the end, it is always the same. Israel and the world's Jews stand alone. REMEMBER: Jewish blood comes cheap to the non-Jew. Behind the laurel wreaths,the treatries, and such peace-loving organizations as the U.N and its Human Blights Council) pathological hatred for all things Jewish lives on! REMEMBER!
(99) Linda Spencer-Blackledge, July 26, 2012 10:31 PM
public apology NOW
It seems incredible that a public apology has never been made by the Olympic Committee. that is the least that should happen to the families of the slain and to the Israeli nation. I am not Jewish, but I remember watching these events on TV and being horrified at the results. This has gone on too long. A public apology has to be given. I don't normally watch the Olympic games and events, but I would watch the apology with much satisfaction.
(98) Gary Katz, July 26, 2012 9:07 PM
Warped values contribute to the problem
Given that the Munich terrorists are Palestinian national heros, I'm surprised the Palestinians aren't asking the Olympic Committee for a moment of silence to commemorate THEIR deaths.
(97) Chana Miriam Zelasko, July 26, 2012 3:55 PM
I remember
In 1972 I was 23 years old and living at the International House of Phila. It was a building set aside for foreign students that rented out their extra rooms to locals. We were all different kinds: Americans, Chinese, Germans, French, Arabs, etc. all getting along so nicely in the true American way. I remember watching the TV there and seeing the the first announcement of the murder. WOW! I thought. I'm Jewish. They did this to my people! It was a real wake-up call to me and the beginning of the search of my Jewish identity.
(96) Sheldon Liberman, July 26, 2012 1:48 PM
Here's the kvetchin'...
Observing a moment of silence would presumably occur during the opening ceremonies, which will take place on Shabbos. Is not observing a moment of silence considered to be an act of mourning, which is prohibited on Shabbos?
Shira, July 26, 2012 2:59 PM
A eulogy would be out of place. A moment of silence is fine.
Stella Rubin-Zappaterra, July 27, 2012 11:57 AM
The moment of silence would be NOT an act of mourning. First of all Kaddish is made on Shabbat. It is a sign of remembering one whole team, part of the Olympic team family, massacred in the village itself, a sign for the Olympic family to be united against terror, against politics. No one should be a hostage to terror. No one.
jeff glanstein, July 29, 2012 7:30 AM
mourning on shabbos
better a moment of silence and in the short moment there will be less desecration of Shabbos. Silence is the gentiles' approach to mourning. As such, it is not mourning in Jewish Law and therefor not a conflict with the Sanctity of Shabbos.
(95) Anonymous, July 26, 2012 11:42 AM
I was 7 but things I remember
The horror that this could happen again to Jews and that the terrorists were not called Palestinians, then. The incompetence of the police. The OIC has had a heavy hand in preventing the minute's rememberance and the IOC jumps thru it's own hoops to accommodate them, even probaly to avoid Israelis competeing with OIC member athletes. OIC/IOC and 7 years since 7/7 in the UK, 40 years since Munich and it's Tisha b'Av and I don't believe in coincidences
(94) Flora Shepelsky, July 26, 2012 11:38 AM
Thank you for writing this informative article.im crying!!!
I came to Israel in 1974 at the age of 5. I always wanted to know the whol story,but it was always addressed in short and non informative small articles .i live in the us sins 1980 ,but my whol famely is in Isral ,my Israel!!! Ther is not a day that I don't worry for the safety of our country and my famely and all the young boys and girl that serve and protect our Israel. Please join me ,let's all pray and send positive thoughts to our team .Somtimes it's more important to think of a safe and beautiful Olympic than dwell on how we have been improperly recednized .We know who we are as a country a nation and a team ,that's most important .So please for the safety and the support for our amazing athletes let's all think positiv .im sure the athletes just want to get on with the games and not feel that politicos are more important than what thay are there for.We need to remember our 11 amazing athletes that we lost,unfortenetly trying to prove to a anti-Semitic world what we all ready know only maks them hate us more. Everyone knows ,nothing to prove .Just love support and good words towards our teem can bring peace. As history proved ,all we have is each other .We know ,we care and that is all that matters .With positive tears in my eyes im as always looking towered successful and safe games. Thank you,Flora Shepelsky
(93) kate b, July 26, 2012 11:24 AM
Friday morning global 1 minute silence info here:
http://www.zionist.org.uk/?page_id=750
(92) Richard Marcus, July 26, 2012 10:31 AM
vitally important message
Aish: Thank you for this article. I may not be interested in sports and the Olympics, but as a Jew, the message speaks clearly: the Jews are different in every concept of life, those worshippers of one G-d: even at the Olympics Jews - singled out - not as athletic competitors, but as Jews. I suppose it is difficult to know if your message goes beyond the Jewish community. (After all, with a name like "Aish" you probably don't attract a large number of non-Jewish readers to your site.) But keep on with your work. It is vitally important for our younger generation of Jews to realize that, whether they like it or not, their identification as Jews singles them out to the rest of the world - as it has in the past, does presently, and will surely do so in future years. To imagine otherwise is purely naive. Best regards and keep it coming!!
Katie C, July 27, 2012 3:05 AM
re:
Hello, I found this page through my friend and just want to reply to your comment and assure you that this message IS spread far beyond the Jewish community. I am not Jewish myself, nor are many others who see this situation as one dealing with a lack of humanity as opposed to a political or religious conflict of interest. The IOC has a moral obligation to prove that they stand behind their own ideals and principles that are preached every four years-that the Olympics are an amazing, unifying event that allow the world to come together for a few short weeks. What happened to the athletes in 1972 was a senseless crime against innocent men and the fact that they have not been honored or properly recognized for 40 years is incomprehensible. A moment of silence needs no political agenda- those athletes were victims of terrorism during the Olympic games and this needs to be recognized, regardless of the country they represented. As the Flemish Sport Minister said, "One does not need to take a stand on the Israeli-Palestinian question to find the events of September 1972 heinous".
Richard Harris, July 27, 2012 5:14 AM
I agree with Richard Marcus
I also appreciate this article very much. As a Christian Pastor, from Australia, who has vistited Israel 4 times and taken about 35 people with me each time as the group leader I have a growing love for Israel and God's People. I am sending a link for this article to many people as I "liked" it on my face book page. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. God's Blessings and Shabbat Shalom
(91) Anonymous, July 26, 2012 6:10 AM
This moment of silence that everyone wants would take place on shobbos. Shimon Peres is not even going since its on shoobos.
(90) Paul, July 26, 2012 12:47 AM
palestinian inclusion (p left lower case intentionally)
Should the palestinians, who made a frontal assault on the games themselves, become a state will they be welcome at the olympics?
(89) Batya, July 25, 2012 11:41 PM
Outstanding article! so truethful! We are one nation, we only have each other to stand against the world!!! But we are strong and we will live on remembering our heroes!
(88) Mary, July 25, 2012 6:34 PM
The conflation of money, power & politics: is the Olympic Ideal sustainable?
With the continuing escalation of the conflation of money, power & politics into every aspect of the Olympic movement, it is difficult to believe that Olympic ideals of global peace can be rescued....however, the global movement to fight for peace and justice must continue! Thank you for keeping the flame ignited!
(87) Anonymous, July 25, 2012 6:21 PM
another way to feel the 11
In 1972,I attended the opening ceremony,of the Olympics games(26/08/72) in Munchen. One week before,at the end of a day of visit of the Olympic sports facilities,I enter ,with a friend,without ANY PROBLEM(just taking the athletes BUS) the Olympic Village. After staying a hour,we just went out of the Olympic Village with the same bus. After the opening ceremony i went back home to Belgium. At home i follow with interest the Olympic games. The morning ,I heard that the israeli athletes were taking as hostage,my personnal experience in Munchen came to me.If I could go in the Olympic village the terrorists surely can go in. The drama occur.The 11 were murdered. Should the game Stopped? I want that the GAMES must go on. My personnal experience,there,my feeling as a Jew,it has to continue,and every 4 years we have to be proud that israeli and jewish sporters are at the Olympics. Despite the killing of the 11. Be there strong,with our own feelings.To compete with fair play like they wanted,but did not have the opportunity and were murdered. When the Israeli delegation went out of the stadium in Munchen,I saw 2 Israelis ,speaking german,with tears in their eyes.27 yaers after the War,free jewish atlethes in germany. I had the same feeling.I will never forget this moment. Every Olympic Games,I remeber this particular moment. Knowing that 11 athletes were killed.
(86) Eli Sonsino, July 25, 2012 5:48 PM
nobody care about jewsh blood
we need to stand on our wright we will live for ever after every body is gone.
(85) Nzewi Uchenna, July 25, 2012 5:35 PM
What I read about Grand Duchy
On this link few days before the attack at Munich Olympic game as i have known the plane physical and their plans they did not intend to attack the game village they are not Palestine people but air plane sniper from Luxembourg that is specialized on night vision would have shot rounds of ammunition at the airport not hostage was taken to Libya like the Island at Norway where shots of gun was heard after bombing oil company at Norway they are the people that bombed King David Hotel knowing it will result to deaths British tourist like Israelis killed at Bulgaria...... http://www.aish.com/jw/s/Olympic_Silence.html http://www.aish.com/jw/s/Olympic_Silence.html Presently they will not attack London 2012 but can prove me wrong on London bus bombing known as 7/7 bomb where by Olympic is not the only thing we cheers for common dream i have with them but maturity of eternity in other to get reserve bidder license to broadcast drone or space shuttle taking human to space.......
(84) Esther, July 25, 2012 2:47 PM
very interesting
Thanks for this article !
(83) Yak Fatzko, July 25, 2012 1:20 PM
It is wrong to even request mourning from the Nations
Am lvadad yishkon. (A nation that dwells apart Numbers: 23:9) I for one DO NOT WANT the silence or mourning of the nations. It's clear how most of them feel about this (not including the praiseworthy individuals who express solidarity with us). As with most things in life: If it's not forthcoming on its own it's worthless.
Michael Lieberman, July 26, 2012 2:48 AM
Could not have said it better
Alone as always, we need to depend only on ourselves. People should do the right thing and not need to be asked.
(82) Irene Yellin, July 25, 2012 12:47 PM
Terrific article, thank you for writing this.
Anonymous, July 25, 2012 4:10 PM
High Expectations, Same Poor Results
I dont get why we keep expecting the world to feel bad for us. Is it shocking that the Germans were tipped off 3 weeks in advance and did nothing to stop it? The Germans lost WW2 so the only good PR move for Germany was to say they no longer have a problem with Jews, it was all Hitler, etc. These same surviving Germans continued to produce and raise children while their country was left in shambles after the 10 year indoctrination of ''the Jews are the reason you are poor'' by the S.S. I laugh when I see Jews/Israelis making all this noise about recognition of the massacre to the nations of the world. The world doesn't care. Never have, never will. They resent Israel for it's success defending itself in war and having a thriving economy in the midst of a world financial collape, military coups, and arab springs. If the world doesnt want to recognize the anti-semitic murders in Munich it is simply because they don't like us. Why are we wasting energy trying to pressure them into giving us ''moments of silence''. The who concept of pressuring them should tell you enough about how they really feal. When the Israeli PMs speak in front of the U.N. about unfairness and anti-zionist sentiment they are likewise speaking to deaf ears. Jews don't need to beg for victim recognition. Jews should focus their energy on defending themselves from future calamity, work hard, help others, be good, and let G-d take care of the rest. To expect the Olympic commitee to give us a minute of their precious time is a joke. The Olympics were borne from anti-semitic ancient Greeks as a barbaric and murderous show for a twisted audience. May Hashem punish the wicked and curse those who curse us, and may He bless the memory of those 11 innocent Jewish athletes. We are the same nation that gets attacked by the same enemy in 3 wars and then happily invites them back in, offering to split up our land for them. I'm suuure the US would do the same if Mexico did that to them (sarcasm).
Yaakov, July 26, 2012 12:45 PM
100% Correct
I have not read anything more articulate than this comment in a long long time. Spot on.
(81) Outsider Looking on, July 25, 2012 10:09 AM
Reconsider single events against the backdrop...
Those 11 athletes are remembered by outsiders, I mourn the loss of 11 people - I feel sad that the acts of a nation(Israel) have diminished the remembrance of so many bright souls. In light of the past 40 years, little wonder the rest of the world could care less. Recently, we read of a Nazi who had finally been captured, very few people cared, save those who suffered personal loss at the hands of the nazis. If the aggressive occupation of Palestinian land continues, expect less and less support from outsiders. It is sad to see such occupation, you ought to know, we the outsiders do agree that an 'Israel' must exist - just not in this one-sided, aggressive, bullying manner - Thank you and again, we feel the loss of 11 athletes murdered in 1972. One love.
(80) Daniel, July 25, 2012 7:14 AM
It's not Narcessistic. It's about dignity and respect for the dead and their families.
(79) Anonymous, July 25, 2012 6:26 AM
Supporting the minute of silence
For those who'd consider voting for Romney (like Rabi Sol) because "he prays," notice that Romney supports the Olympic Committee. Whereas "President Barack Obama has joined the call [for a minute of silence] .... But the Olympic Committee has stubbornly refused -[ to support a minute of silence] ostensibly on the grounds it would "politicize the Olympics."
(78) Anonymous, July 24, 2012 9:41 PM
We do not need any nods from Olympic committee to mourn
It is weak and narcissistic to shame others into commemorating our dead. Olympics Committee want to promote the event and reminding people of tragedy is not in line with their goals. As far as taking responsibility for the botched rescue, get over it. If they have not taken responsibility yet, it is not coming. US has caused massive casualties (100s of thousands) in 3rd world countries w-out much as an excuse, and no admission of wrongdoing.
Anonymous, July 25, 2012 2:16 PM
you would not get over it.
I am positive that if it was your loved one who had been murdered by terrorists, and whose murder was publicized on international TV, that you would not simply get over it. It is because of people like you that anger and hate exists in this world. The families of these athletes deserve answers and deserve apologies and deserve to have their loved ones honored by the organization that failed to take appropriate measures which in turn resulted in this tragic event. Also, no one is shaming anyone to commemorate our dead, people are simply trying to get a moment of silence at the games, shaming has nothing to do with it. People around the world agree that this should be done, and it is the IOC that doesn't wan't to allow this to happen. Shaming has nothing to do with it.
(77) Anonymous, July 24, 2012 7:09 PM
From a shamed Brit
May I send my deepest apologies that there will not be a minute's silence on Friday's Olympics Opening Ceremony. I feel deeply ashamed that my country doesn't have the backbone to tell the IOC to poke it, and do what is right and compassionate. Shame on the IOC, my country's Olympic Deliverance Assn., and everyone else who deprive these tragic victims a minute of our time.
(76) Hank, July 24, 2012 6:08 PM
Israel Does Not Mourn Alone
There are those of us Christians, old enough to remember the nightmare, who mourn with the israeli and Jewish people of the world. Shalom
(75) Ian G, July 24, 2012 5:34 PM
The IOC is one thing but
the UK and London are your hosts. Why not campaign for UK support? I'd sign up to a petiton.
(74) Lesley Elliott, July 24, 2012 5:33 PM
Let them not have died in vain, remember them all!
Extremely well written and incredibly sad. I commend the families for not letting them be forgotten. We shall remember them always! They were special each and everyone, and were dearly loved by those who remember them still.
(73) Luis Willis, July 24, 2012 3:05 PM
praying
All the nations will turn against Israel,it's already started but I will always stand up for my Jewish friends and the greatest nation on Earth, God Bless you!
(72) BubbyJean, July 23, 2012 6:22 PM
gut wrenching
What a well-written, gut-wrenching historical reminder of what took place in 1972. The attitude of the Olympic committee is a constant reminder of who we Jews are in this world. We're different (for the good!) -- they know it, and oh, if only we knew it....
(71) constance, July 23, 2012 6:18 PM
I find it very strange not one of you viewers were comforted by the news I posted about recognition will be given before the olympics begin. I was thrilled to find the 3 articles and 1 was in the London news saying there wuill be recognition to the past athletes. Not one of you said so very happy to hear this~~~i will look it up too or I pray they follow through what you discovered and yes its all in print. I will in the future refrain from comments. Seems venting comments take priority over a outcome over good news on the subject SHALOM to all.There will be a time of silenc 3 postings saying so ..
Judith Sinclair, July 24, 2012 6:22 PM
It's difficult to believe the "good news" until we see it for ourselves.
There have been too many disappointments in the past.
Igor Stavnitser, July 24, 2012 9:43 PM
That would break the narrative of universal hatred of Jews
That would break the narrative of universal hatred of Jews, which is an unwelcome outcome for a missionary Yeshiva such as Aish or Ohr.
(70) Arnie L., July 23, 2012 6:10 PM
Munich Games In Germany
Since the Munich massacre of the Israeli athletes I have never watched the Olympic games and never will again. The Olympics, like the United Nations is a sham. Two worthless and costly venues backed by Radical Muslims and Communists.
me, July 24, 2012 7:01 PM
Is your comment for real?
(69) Jael, July 23, 2012 5:37 PM
Alone?
I don't now, how you could chose such a missguiding title and end credit: We are not crying and remembering alone - you prove that in almost half your article... crazy!
(68) Anonymous, July 23, 2012 2:09 PM
Israel Mourns Alone
Israel, DOES NOT mourn alone. Jews and many others mourned 40 years ago, and will hold their own silent vigils during the opening ceremonies of these Olympics.
dabirk, July 24, 2012 3:22 PM
US Silence
Obama believes in a moment of silence. ROMNEY DOES NOT
(67) Anonymous, July 23, 2012 11:41 AM
I am sad that there will be no official silence but I , along with others will hold a minutes silence at 11 am on Friday. in a previous e-mail, I put the wrong time.
Hana, July 23, 2012 3:07 PM
Psalm
Rabbi, could you widespread this idea and organize a 1 minute silence followed by a psalm recitacion (#20?) forr that time through Aish.com?
(66) Jan Stander, July 23, 2012 8:49 AM
What has happened to Juris Prudence?
I remember very well what happened. I was shocked and totally disgusted. To this day, I think of Arabs and Germans as cruel, vicious, mindless, arrogant, cowardly sub-humans. They are a murderous bunch of louts. It is strange how politicians can overrule the Law for their own selfish satisfaction. As for being the only people in mourning in the world, I must disagree. Many South Africans are today standing four square behind Israel, even though our present Government is in the pockets of the Arabs who probably taught them their terrorist techniques and supported their rise to this Government by terrorism which was dubbed "Freedom Fighters" to appease the rest of the world. Never the less, their techniques and "modus operandi" was pure, murderous terrorism. We bleed with you, Israel, and hope that YHWH will keep everything He promised in our time. Remember 1967 and what was done to all the Arabs in just six days! Shalom from South Africa.
B Heilbron, July 23, 2012 1:37 PM
For evil to flourish ..
... it is enough that good men do nothing Thank you S.A.
(65) Rachel, July 23, 2012 8:26 AM
You Tube video
very informative about the tragedy; with extensive footage and interviews with the families. Highly moving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyWCccQ_kTo (Tragedy of the Munich Games). This should go viral!
(64) Neville Benatar, July 23, 2012 7:28 AM
We will never forget or forgive.
(63) Garry In sunny Bushey Heath, July 23, 2012 6:48 AM
Very informative article.
We should all circulate this excellent article to our friends and really bring to focus on the minds of the general public what happened then in 1972 and demand that it is commemorated and must never happen again.
(62) Beverley Pekema, July 23, 2012 6:31 AM
you're never alone
For we are the eternal nation… that dwells alone. Not so. I am only one among many who remembers & mourns with you and I know for sure that you are not alone, who could ever be alone with the Creator G-d so firmly by your side?
(61) Allan gena, July 23, 2012 5:14 AM
Why should England care. It is only Jewish blood.hope the Olympics are a failure
Carol Hull Holden, July 23, 2012 10:46 AM
The world SHOULD care!
I am a non Jewish Brit, and I care very much. We do not all share the belief that is "only Jewish blood." The massacre of the Jewish athletes should never, ever be forgotten by anyone, and they should be afforded a minutes silence.
(60) Josh, July 23, 2012 4:40 AM
the world hasnt changed
I was recently on a flight sitting next to a holocaust survivor. i asked him whether he thought the world had learnt any of the lessons since then. he said look at syria, massacres every day and the world sits and does nothing. the Olympic games refusal to remember is a sign of their refusal to remember. it is our duty. Jews stand for life and morality whilst the Western world choose to forget!
(59) Charles Rapp, July 23, 2012 4:33 AM
This is an open anti Jewish Fact!
The blood of eleven Israel will always call for Justice no matter how long will the world keep quite and turn a blind eye to pay tribute! Muslim world is in a move to politisize nearly every aspect of our remaining civilization today!
(58) paul, July 23, 2012 4:18 AM
I remember too
I am not Jewish, and I was nearly nine years old when the atrocities were committed against the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics. I remember seeing horrible things on TV as a child. I recall that my entire family and I were huge admirers of Mark Spitz; my mom had enrolled me in swimming lessons the year before with Mark Spitz as role model. I also remember my parents revulsion and fury at what happened to the Israeli athletes. My dad could not wait for Arafat & Co. and his terrorrists to be neutralized. Unfortunately, as my dad maintained until he died in 2009, Arafat's death was fifty years too late (not a typo).
(57) Myron Zabner, July 23, 2012 4:02 AM
Brundage
AVAERY BRUNDAGE WAS A VIRULANT ANT-SEMITE. IT SEEMS THAT AS A WHOLE THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IS ANT-SEMETIC. I HAVE REFUSED TO DONATE ONE CENT UNTIL THE MUNICH AFFAIR IS RECTIFIED. WITHHOLDING FUNDS WOULD CERTAINLY CHANGE A LOT OF MINDS.
(56) Howard Goodman, July 23, 2012 3:10 AM
I remember watching the '72 Olympics.
There was an article in Aish.com a few days ago, saying that the BBC listed all the countries represented in 2012 Olympics along with their capitals. All except the capital of Israel. The BBC did list Hamas and said its capital was East Jerusalem. It didn't mention the requested moment of silence. I made a comment and posted it to the BBC stating that they are such a huge and respected news organization but to come out and publicly announce they are prejudiced and anti-Semetic, further stating that they should publicly state the "facts" as to how they could post East Jerusalem and Hamas and leave out Jerusalem as the capital of Israel - not, as they said, most embassies are located in Tel Aviv. Do I expect a BBC response? Of course not. This is another example, alongside Achmedenejad at the U.N. denying the Holocaust, of a phrase I coined: deliberate ignorance."
(55) shoshana, July 23, 2012 2:46 AM
irony of this whole "moment of silence" with tisha bav
IT is iroinic and a sad reminder this tisha b'av! but also the Olympic committee doesn't undersatnd by not allowing some remembrance/memorial of the israelis killed they are making a very strong political statement regardless of what they are saying! their statement is that we rather give in to the arabs than care about jews who were killed!
(54) Brad C, July 23, 2012 1:43 AM
Israel does not stand alone
While the IOC may be bowing to anti-semetic cowards, as the UN often does, the government of Canada (followed by many other countries) unanimously declared support for a moment of silence as the least we could do. Still, it comes as no surprise that the world continues to be against us.
(53) Suzanne Sylvere, July 23, 2012 12:20 AM
Montreal Olympics 1976
I worked for the Organizing Committee for a year prior to the games.With no cell phones/computers, we trained with the Canadian Armed Forces to protect the Village.I personally ate with the Israeli team, not a word was spoken.Their silence said everything.Lord Killanian, late President of IOC had his hands tied, as the IOC is an " old boy's club"-A moment of silence will not be understood, and not worth the effort z-Let the Games create an Oasis of sportsmanship. In our hearts we mourn these fallen heros.btw, I was 2 of of 1200 employees who was Jewish.
(52) Anonymous, July 23, 2012 12:00 AM
The Jewish people do not mourn alone. I am a Christian and mourn with you.
(51) Carol, July 22, 2012 11:57 PM
I didn't know
Until I read this article, I didn't know about this tragic event which took place back then. Now that I do, my heart mourns for all who lost their lives and their loved ones too. This web site has opened my eyes to so much. While I'm not Jewish, my heart is with the Jewish people. I pray that one day we all love one another and live according to G-d's desire for us.
(50) Doreen, July 22, 2012 11:36 PM
Only ONE minute!!
All we ask is ONE MINUTE. What is so hard about that. It's hard only because that time would be used to remember the massacred Jews; it's hard because they do not care about the suffering families. ONE MINUTE would bring closure but who cares about that? For any other nation that minute would have been held long ago!!
(49) ALFRED FARAMOA, July 22, 2012 10:33 PM
the person who plan the attacked on the atletes should not born in the world
that is a set precedent that can not be stopped. i for one condermed the action by the terorrist attact as a cowardies act. if you have flesh and blood, approached you enemy in a human approach. the person who plan the attacked should not leave in the world as a human being. he /she should leave with the animals in the zoo.
(48) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 10:27 PM
No one cares about the Jews.....
But the Jews! We need each other because together we show strength .
(47) Darlene Gordon, July 22, 2012 9:26 PM
I remember the games of 1972 very well. My husband was close to the end of a one year assignment in S.E. Asia and our children, 10 & 4 years and myself in the USA, faithfully watched these Olympics as we awaited his return...such a mixture of joy in the games and horror in the treatment of Jews. Yes, you deserve a public apology. Don't ever give up on this.
(46) Elder of Ziyon blog, July 22, 2012 9:17 PM
Take matters into our own hands
Why doesn’t the Israeli delegation, upon entering the stadium, simply stop in their tracks and stand still for exactly sixty seconds? Better yet – instead of blindsiding the IOC (not that they deserve any slack), but they should announce today that they intend to hold their own minute of silence. This way, the IOC can choose to do the right thing – ensure that the music stops playing, put a brief announcement on the screens in the stadium explaining what is happening – or it can be faced with the prospect of the Italy and Ivory Coast delegates crashing into the immobile Israelis they are trying to follow into the stadium. There is no downside. Arab TV stations will probably cut away for commercials, but besides that the world would not blame Israel one bit. Israel has gone through the proper channels to ensure that the IOC does the right thing. It didn’t work. Sometimes, one has to break the rules to do what is right.
Anonymous, July 24, 2012 6:31 PM
I think your idea is perfect.
Israeli athletes stopping with their heads down for a minute is the answer. Good thinking, I believe!
(45) Vivien Christian, July 22, 2012 9:14 PM
The World Remembers But Politics Prevails
I, too, remember the photo's of the death camps of WW2 and the horror I felt. I, too, remember seeing the horror of Munich. But, being wary of offending the Muslim nations is more important to the Olympics Committee than being fair. Israel provides wisdom to the world but the Muslim nations provide oil! People SAY they want the minute's silence but...they're not prepared to ask their Governments to boycott future Olympics if it doesn't happen!
(44) Mary Wolcoff, July 22, 2012 9:13 PM
I support Israel!
I also am angry at the way the Olympic Commttiee has NEVER acknowledged this act of Terror. It disgusted me then because they refused to stop the games and it disgusts me now in their support of terrorism! They are a bunch of Islaam supported no backbone cowards and most of our news media is following right after this group!
(43) constance, July 22, 2012 8:56 PM
I typed this in my space bar London 2012 1 minute to remember I also read 4 other places where THE ATHLETES are going to be remembered at the opening of the olympics regardless what th committee says. Its not the committee allowing it. ALSO pres.of united states commented on theis issue and said it should be done and they should be commemorated. Bob costas is going to open with a commemortive also. I also read about the 40 yr comm.threat against the 2012 olympics. LETS ALL PRAY for the 2012 olympics safety and well being. I shall pray earnestly each and every day till the olympics are at a close & finished. Please tell your friends & relatives to offer prayers over these threats coming from the middle east concerning the olympics. Thank You Go with God and may HE BLESS all of you.
(42) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 8:44 PM
I am with you
I love to read and learn about Israel. The article is for sure an eye opener for me and a reminder of that terrible crime. When this happened, I was new in USA coming from Central America, I was not aware of the injustices the Israelites have been suffering for so long, from the evil of this world. My blessings to the writer and to all the jewish who keep all these offenses in their heart and try to make this world a better one. And my prayer for all the jews who are able help but refuse to do it because they don't understand that they can make a big difference in this world. Lord open the eyes of all tour chosen that this world will become a paradise to live in. Thank you so much for a well written and easy to understand article. Keep it up on informing us and letting us know how we can help.
(41) ruth housman, July 22, 2012 8:17 PM
Olympic Silence
In life it seems we are experiencing Olympic Silence around a number of profound issues, that do include, this very deep issue, as articulated so beautifully in your article. There is still Olympic Silence around the Armenian Genocide. There is Olympic Silence and Olympic Denial of The Holocaust by many groups that are beyond caustic, being toxic in their writings. The Protocols of Zion are among these and then it seems there is Olympic Silence around people who are totally disseminating hate, around the world. Yes, some do protest, but the volume of such protest must be turned up to drown those voices of hatred. They cannot be allowed to continue. I wonder why it is, this terrible Silence, because it seems obvious we need to publicly remember our Jewish Athletes with a moment of bowed heads. We need to Remember in order for the world to change. I wonder why it is such a huge sprint required to do what's right, after so much time. I believe we must get it right in order to move forward. The movie Groundhog Day was about this, in an amusing but true metaphoric way.
(40) Debra Jouglard, July 22, 2012 8:04 PM
Prayers and Rememberance
My prayers are with and for not only the Israelis who will participate this year in the Olympics but also for all of the athletes. I will continue in prayer for all involved during the Olympics. I will not be silent when it comes to prayer and I pray that the Olympic Committee has a change of heart in allowing the world to be silent for one moment during the Olympics in memory of the fallen athletes from Israel. It is only right since this is the 40th anniversary and it would serve them right if everyone there including all of the athletes stopped what they were doing and had a moment of silence in protest of the Committee if they do not allow it. This is the only way that they will get the message that the world is not going to be silent and since the Olympics are suppose to be where the world comes together then let silent prayer or even verbalized prayer go up to the Heavens to God and especially this Friday the Beginning of Tisha B'Av.
(39) nechama, July 22, 2012 7:06 PM
we mourn together,BH.
BH I remember! I was at my parents' home after a year at the university. I want to throw my insides up from the anti-anything that is about Am YisraEL! HaShem,BH, sees! Loirah! Chazak! Chazak! Ani Ma'amin! Thank you for writing the article, and having koach,BH! We should be wondering,"Why noone is complaining about the opening date!" Remember: 1190 & 1290 ce!!!
(38) Andrew Rabinowitz, July 22, 2012 7:03 PM
Beautifully written it made me cry. Too bad the people who need to read it won't .
(37) Rafi, July 22, 2012 6:53 PM
BBC Olympic page denies Jerusalem is capital of Israel
Only Israel, among all the countries competeting in the olympic games and listed on the BBC's website, is denied the right to have it's capital named. Even after protests from around the world, the insulting revision uniqeily and discriminatingly describes Jerusalem as the "seat of government". This from an organization that obtains all if its funding under a charter that is conditional on impartial and unbiased broadcasting. When will the average, fair-minded and courageous Briton simply stop funding this anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic organization?
(36) Dr. Pete Kleff, July 22, 2012 6:51 PM
You Are Not Alone
Rest assured, you are not alone in your grief. As an Orthodox Christian my heart bleeds over this abomination and the many that have affected the Jewish people over the millennia. We worship the same God. And in the Old Testament he promises justice. It will come.
(35) TEDESCO, July 22, 2012 6:38 PM
Je reçois vos i.mail mais j'aimerrais les recevoir en Français Est-ce possible ? Merci !
(34) RACHEL KRIEGER, July 22, 2012 6:29 PM
REMEBER THE MURDERED
VERY SAD THAT POLITICS ENTER INTO THE OLYMPICS
(33) D, July 22, 2012 6:22 PM
We can only change anti semitism by changing ourselves
Anti semitisim is a halacha - eisav sonei es yaakov, and its not going to change until Moshiach comes, may it be speedily in our days. . . so rather then letting ourselves get carried away by the awful way the world treats us, even though it hurts so badly, we will be much better off by channeling our energies into bettering ourselves spiritually and doing all we can to bring Moshiach and an end to all our suffering.
Anonymous, July 26, 2012 11:42 AM
Excellent point!!
Thank you for strengthening us.....your words are inspiring. We cannot control the world but we can control our thinking and responses
(32) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 6:15 PM
Shame on the Olympic Committees
Thank you for such a heartfelt, sad, and emotionally engageing recount of the 1972 Olympic Israeli tragedy in Munich. How much would it cost them to stand for one minute of silent?? A wide open double standard contradicting what they want the world to believe the pretended cause they stand for. True shame on the Olympic part. Again, thank you very much Rabbi Shraga for your heartfelt article.
(31) Dov S, July 22, 2012 6:03 PM
Blood for oil
When when the blood for oil would stop.We need an alternative to oil. So the Golf Arabs can drink it and go back to the tents where they belong. .
(30) Patricia Findlay, July 22, 2012 5:42 PM
Silence
I am 80 years old and its hard to believe that nothing changes. I was in the UK in WW2, and saw the death camps being opened on the movies. I have been to Israel two times and will go again. Its the promised land.
(29) Harry Williams, July 22, 2012 5:34 PM
My heart continues to ache
Too soon the world forgets and the heartache remains.
(28) victor, July 22, 2012 5:13 PM
Excellent commentary, but ...
The author's commentary is pitch-perfect. But unfortunately, written words, no matter how incisive or compelling, will mean little, if anything, in producing results. What is needed is NOISE! Something -- some kind of event -- to gain and hold attention. Like a loud, biosterous protest rally at or near Olympic grounds, drawing attention to this heinous massacre and demanding acknowledgement it -- of how it has disgraced olympian ideals -- and condemnation of all who support terrorists or turn a blind eye toward them. Instead of just writing about it, how about Aish helping organize such a protest?
drbill, July 23, 2012 1:14 AM
How about YOU
I am and I am sure we all look forward to hear about your demonstration nearby the Olympic grounds this year, Victor. Its a great idea. Go for it!
Anonymous, July 23, 2012 5:29 AM
WHY NOT ORGANIZE AN ONLINE/Twitter/Facebook CAMPAIGN?
Ask people to "check in" and remain signed on the site for a minute right after Shabbat ends (and Tisha B'Av observance commences), instead of (or at least before) checking in on the games.
(27) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 5:06 PM
No minute of silence allowed for the Israeli victims of 1972 Munich Games but the But olympic village's kitchens will be open all night for muslims athletes observing the ramadan this year... That is the way the olympic comite understand "no politics" in the games... !!! :-(((
(26) Jan Hamer, July 22, 2012 4:55 PM
Disappointment
All I can say is, Jacques Rogge is a coward.
(25) Sarah Lascar, July 22, 2012 4:54 PM
Israel mourns alone 1972 Massacre
Excellent article written by Rabbi Shraga
(24) Jonathan, July 22, 2012 4:44 PM
Wake up and smell the Humous!
Thank you for this emotional review and perspective about the events in Olympic history and hypocrisy within the IOC. While the ideals of the olympian is to strive for "perfection of mind and body" the IOC is literally 180 degrees from that goal. So sad. I was also at the 1976 games in Canada and rooted for Teams Israel & USA. Rather than opt for a minute of silence, I vote for a minute of "The Siren of Consciousness" like what is sounded in Israel on Yom HaZikaron. Maybe this loud, harsh sound, can awaken the minds of the world. May the Memories of the Munich 11 be for a blessing.... Now and Always.
(23) RACHEL MINER, July 22, 2012 4:43 PM
London Olympics
I think that we have waitied long enough. I will stand herever I am at and observe a moment a minute of silence for the 11 of my countrymen, I immigrated to Israel in December. Iam Israeli-American and I want a minute of silence.
(22) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 4:42 PM
Shame on Brundage and the Olympic Committe.
Shame on Brundage and the Olympic Committtee. Some things never change. When will the world unify and accept the Jews as a people and not as a threat. Does jealousy rule? Or are people afraid if it's not the Jews, it will be they?
(21) Baruch Ben-Yosef, July 22, 2012 4:39 PM
REALITIES
A few realities to remember: 1) Sports and the Olympics are essentially irrelevant and meaningless, serving only as temporary episodes of entertainment. 2) The various Olympic committees are much more concerned about money than about justice, or Jews. 3) The Arabs have oil, while the Israelis have sand. Therefore, Arabs will be much more important to the average non-Jew, than Jews. 4) Hillel was right-on when he said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" In other words, we Jews will have to fend for ourselves. We should not expect the "goyim" to champion our cause.
(20) Carlos, July 22, 2012 4:10 PM
Minute of Silence
E cellent and well written article, lest we not forget. So sad and heart wrenching to relive the truth of Anti Semetism and the prejudice and indifference the rest of the world, turning a blind eye to the light of all nations.
(19) Carol Hull Holden, July 22, 2012 4:02 PM
You are never alone Israel.
You are never alone Israel, I for one, will always stand by you. I will never forget that awful massacre of the Israeli athletes, and I have never once since then watched the olympic games. This time however, I will watch the opening ceremony and hold my own minute of silence on the entry of the Israeli team. I am disgusted by the attitude of the olympic committee, they have been bought off by the oil rich arabs. God Bless Israel, now and always.
(18) Lance Martinez, July 22, 2012 3:56 PM
Peace is long overdue for all nations.
I was born in 1948 a little before Israel became a state/country/nation. I was 10 years old when I read "Exodus" by Leon Uris. I learned of the Holocaust and Exodus. I am Polish, Spanish and German. The Poles were massacred too. "In my heart I am Israel!" part of Ari Ben Cannon's quote. Even today Israel stands alone against unbelievable odds. I will never forget the "Six Day War" and I will never forget "Golda Mier" for finding and delivering the Munich assassin,s from evil. I celebrate Israels birthday with my birthday every year in memory of ALL the cruelties inflicted on the Jewish people. I MOURN ALL YOUR LOSSES.
(17) Chris, July 22, 2012 3:47 PM
We will have our moment of silence. We will remember.
Words cannot express our complete and collective rejection of the senseless violence that continues to this day against the Jewish nation - so we will use a moment of total silence to remember the athletes and pray for Peace in the Land. Rest assured that the God of Abraham, who never slumbers or sleeps, made an irrevocable covenant with the Jewish Nation. He is constantly listening for our prayers, so let us pray.....
Ann, July 22, 2012 7:41 PM
Chris, I was so moved by especially the last sentence of your commentary, I copied it into my book of favourite quotes. B'H dear brother.
(16) Margaret Seville, July 22, 2012 3:33 PM
THANK YOU AISH - AS ALWAYS THE TRUTH WE SHOULD KNOW
THANK YOU AISH. We are so fortunate to have your clear, honest reporting to enable us to receive the truth about situations that the media does not ever report truthfully. It is wonderful to know that we can always rely on you to always give us the truth about the the good and the bad of the world tha we live in. G-d bless you always, you are greatly appreciated by us all.
(15) Ian G, July 22, 2012 3:29 PM
You are NOT alone
but the only people who stand with you are a faith and not a nation. As a Christian, I fear for my own nation that increasingly turns its back on God and righteousness. My people are your hosts this year and I hope and pray that it passes off peacefully and without incident. However, there are too many other pressures for war in this Godless world and if something doesn't happen in London, will something happen elsewhere when the world's attention is on the Olympics? Perhaps there will be an act og God this year. Forty years is long enough
(14) Aryeh Markovich, July 22, 2012 3:25 PM
Remember
Remember, it is knowing that only Hashem (G-d) can comfort us. Instead of relying getting comfort and an apology from the world, it is knowing that our existence is solely from Hashem and the best way to fight anti Semitism is to be a Torah Jew. Period.
(13) Hilary Kay, July 22, 2012 3:21 PM
This is an outstanding article. A complete and concise analysis in it's entirity.
Gripping from beginning to end. The truth be told!
(12) Daniel Hersh, July 22, 2012 3:20 PM
Yizkor
At the entrance to Jerusalem there is a statue with the word "nizkor"-we shall remember,hewn out at the top.A statement of secular G-dliness. Yizkor is He shall remember.it would be a cruelty to their memories to misrepresent this.
(11) Harry Cohn, July 22, 2012 3:16 PM
Do not support Olympics
This is the first reason not to support the Olympics. The second is the selling of the sites to cities by the committee
(10) Fr Drrw Waled, July 22, 2012 3:12 PM
Isreal never mourns alone
You are always in our prayers, not forgotten.
(9) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 2:45 PM
Perfectly worded
As usual, Israel and Jews around the world stand alone.
(8) richard, July 22, 2012 2:36 PM
The sun is alone
We are to be a light unto nations. The sun sustains life but it is alone. So are we and so it shall be.
(7) Stuart Weiss, July 22, 2012 2:36 PM
I'd not taken the time to truly examine the events in Munich. Always too busy earning a living to examine my conscience. No more! Will be writing the American Olympic Committee to raise my voice against this continuing injustice. Thank Aish.com for reminding me.
(6) Emily, July 22, 2012 2:29 PM
Your premise is wrong
You may think no one mourns that incident, but many of us Christians here in America do. It was horrible to have suffered and only added to the grief that many American Christians experienced over your Holocaust.. I myself, have often sorrowed over what happened and I know that many of us do. Because it is not spoken, do not think that that heart is not full.
Yaakov, July 22, 2012 3:53 PM
The premise is unfortunately true
Thank you for expressing your own mourning for the tragedy that occurred so long ago. I remember vaguely the horrible events that occurred when I was a young boy living on American soil. However, I respectfully disagree with your title. I wish it were otherwise, but, unfortunately, the premise is all too true. The Olympics have refused to designate a symbolic 60 seconds of silence in memory for a group of athletes who were murdered at an Olympics event - an honor which was accorded to other victims of tragedies having nothing to do with Olympics events. And, when you boil it down, there is only one reason for the disparity - because they were Jews. The premise is, unfortunately, all too true.
(5) Onesmo Ezekiel, July 22, 2012 2:27 PM
TRUE FORTY YEARS ARE ENOUGH TO WAIT
The narration is very clear written,if the committee held moment of silent for 9/11 which is an event not any way associated with Olympic games,then ultimately the committee is ought to do the same for the massacre which was done on the Olympic village!!!!!!!!
(4) Jonathan Jacob bergman, July 22, 2012 2:13 PM
This path is strewn with pain We must take the higher path striving to unify until the silence of those that will not listen is deafening
The rest is silence
(3) soraya, July 22, 2012 1:50 PM
Bob Costas sets his own minute of silence
http://voces.huffingtonpost.com/blackberry/p.html?id=1692139 This man should be touted for taking a stance, and for defying media hype.
(2) Anonymous, July 22, 2012 12:43 PM
Tisha B'Av
We shouldn't be asking the world to do more for jews, than jews are willing to do for jews. Will the Israeli olympic team be holding a moment of silence, or preferably a day of silence for the destruction of the Temple, the exile of the jew and all who were killed on Tisha B'av? I would hope so, but I suspect they won't. If jews would start standing up for jews and judaism, we wouldn't need the world to observe moments of silence.
Anonymous, July 22, 2012 6:29 PM
tisha b'av
i don't know about the team because they are not in control of the days they have to compete, but in Israel, the evening of Tisha B'av, all the places of enjoying one self like restaurants etc and shops are closed. do not compare the two things. expecting the olympic games to at least remember sportmen that were murdered while competing, is not such a big thing really. this last week we have seen the difference in reporting 5 israelis and a muslim bulgarian being murdered in bulgaria to the 12 american who were murdered in colorado. 5 mins for the jews and days for the non jews on british t.v. Surely , there is a comparison?
Anonymous, July 23, 2012 5:19 AM
good point
You make an excellent point.
Anonymous, July 25, 2012 1:13 PM
Disagree
I don't agree the team has no choice but to compete on Tisha B'Av. We all have to make choices, and just like one has to choose whether to attend an important meeting or not because it falls on Yom Tov, members of the team who compete on Tisha B'Av chose to do so. If jews would stand up for their principles and simply be willing to say no rather than compromise, they will gain more respect in the world. Jews remembering and learning from Tisha B'av will accomplish a lot more, and hopefully avert future disasters, vs a moment of silence at the Olympics which ultimately accomplishes nothing.
(1) Reuven Frank, July 22, 2012 9:52 AM
Too little -- Too late
I agree with all that was written. It is very well done, and very clear and concise. But, it seems that you are "preaching to the choir." We KNOW that a HUGE sin of omission. But, we are not going to change world opinion, we are not going to change the UN, and we are not going to change the Olympic commitee. It might be cold and cruel, but "that's the fact, Jack." We can only continue to live as Jews, and to identify ourselves with Tora-true Judaism and continue to pray for the ultimate redemption speedily and in our times.