Obama Backs Munich Moment of Silence
President Barack Obama “absolutely” supports holding a moment of silence at the London Olympic Games to honorthe 11 Israeli athletes and coaches killed at the 1972 games in Munich, ABC News reported.
“We absolutely support the campaign for a minute of silence at the Olympics to honor the Israeli athletes killed in Munich,” National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement.
The International Olympic Committee has rejected the proposal for a tribute, which would mark the 40th anniversary of the horrifying attack. It said that the victims, who were killed by Palestinian extremists, would be honored at a separate ceremony.
But relatives of the victims and activists are still pushing. Sportscaster Bob Costas says he will mention the controversy during Olympics telecast.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
