Campaign prompts Olympic-sized response
HUNDREDS of AJN readers have put pen to paper urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to hold a minute’s silence at the opening ceremony of this year’s Games to commemorate the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Games in 1972.
HUNDREDS of AJN readers have put pen to paper urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to hold a minute’s silence at the opening ceremony of this year’s Games to commemorate the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Games in 1972.
The letter-writing campaign was launched two weeks ago in the paper, with a host of top politicians – including Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Barry O’Farrell and Ted Baillieu – throwing their weight behind it.
Despite repeated requests over the years, the IOC has refused to hold a ceremony, but with this year’s London Games marking the 40th anniversary of the tragedy, it was hoped the committee might change its mind.
However, IOC president Jacques Rogge has so far been unmoved by appeals from families of the victims and the Israeli government.
So far, more than 600 members of the Australian Jewish community had signed copies of The AJN letter, which calls on Rogge to ensure those terror victims “who went to the Olympics in peace, friendship and sportsmanship are given what they deserve”, adding, “One minute of silence will clearly say to the world that what happened in 1972 can never happen again.”
Throwing his support behind the initiative, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia Yuval Rotem said this week, “I commend the leadership of The AJN in their campaign for one minute’s silence to honour our slain Israeli athletes in Munich 40 years ago. Our duty to remember and to remind others is a never-ending endeavour for our people. I wish and pray for the success of this campaign.”
Urging anyone who has not yet signed a letter to do so, AJN national editor Zeddy Lawrence said there was still time to get involved. “The incredible response we’ve had so far reveals the depth of feeling within the community about this issue.
“Needless to say, the more letters we can send to Jacques Rogge, the greater the impact it will have, so please do sign a copy and ensure your voice is heard.”
To download your copy of the letter, visit www.jewishnews.net.au. Once signed, send it back to us at Munich memorial, The Australian Jewish News, Reply Paid 1000, Caulfield South, Victoria 3162.
Note, there is no need for a stamp if posted from within Australia.
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