Jerusalem: In a major disappointment, the International Olympic Committee has rejected Israel’s request to hold a special tribute to its 11 team members killed by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Games.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon had asked the IOC to open this year`s games in London with a minute`s silence honoring the slain Israeli athletes and coaches. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the massacre.
In his reply, IOC President Jacques Rogge said Olympic officials would attend the Israeli delegation`s traditional tribute to the victims at the games.
Rogge wrote, "Please rest assured that, within the Olympic family, the memory of the victims of the terrible massacre in Munich in 1972 will never fade away."
Ayalon said today he finds the response "unacceptable."
PTI
