International Olympic Committee rejects Israel’s plea for ‘Munich 11’ moment of silence

By Shahab Nafees May 23rd, 2012 ( 2 Comments )

London: The International Olympic Committee rejected Israel’s plea on Monday to observe a moment of silence at the opening ceremony London Games for Israel’s 11 athletes (Munich 11)and coaches killed in 1972.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said the response was “unacceptable”.

“The IOC has paid tribute to the memory of the athletes who tragically died in Munich in 1972 on several occasions and will continue to do so. The memory of the victims is not fading away. One thing is certain, we will never forget,” CNN quoted Andrew Mitchell, an IOC spokesman, as saying.

“We do not foresee any commemoration during the opening ceremony of the London Games,” IOC President Jacques Rogge said.

The IOC decision came in the wake of Ayalon’s campaign on social media to appeal people support a moment of silence.

“All we ask for is ‘Just One Minute!’” Ayalon said on Twitter and Facebook messages.