Obama Backs Munich Moment of Silence

By Forward Staff July 19, 2012

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.

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