The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has welcomed the official ceremony held by the International Olympic Committee in Rio de Janeiro for the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches who were murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics. A “moment of reflection” for the Munich 11 will be held during the Games’ closing ceremony. Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano, widows of two of the murdered Israeli athletes, said, “This is an extremely emotional moment for us, one we have been waiting for since 1972. Our patience finally paid off. The memory of the 11 Munich victims has finally been acknowledged by the IOC.”
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This welcomed and deserved gesture to pay tribute to the lives of those Israeli Olympians who were brutally felled by gunmen in Munich is long overdue, and honours the memory of the victims and their families who have fought for years for this recognition. This heartbreaking episode was the darkest hour and stain on the history of the games. The terrorists who murdered these brave souls violated the fundamental values that the Olympic Games are supposed to represent, and this official ceremony goes some way in reminding us that the principles of honour and fraternity are still part of the IOC. We are heartened that a moment of reflection will be held during the closing ceremony of the Rio games, and we hope that this solemn occasion will cause young people to reflect on the important lessons this tragedy teach us.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677