London Assembly Member renews call for minute’s silence for victims of Munich
Labour’s Andrew Dismore today renewed his call for a minute’s silence during the Olympic Games to remember the Israeli athletes and coaching staff who were murdered by terrorists during the 1972 Munich Olympics. Mr Dismore has led calls on the London Assembly for the Mayor and the International Olympic Committee to hold a minute’s silence. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) have so far refused the call to hold a minute’s silence.
Mr Dismore gained unanimous cross-party support for this initiative at a recent meeting of the London Assembly on Wednesday 20th June 2012. The motion agreed by all parties stated:
“This Assembly notes the widespread, cross-party, support for one minute’s silence during the London Olympic Games to mark the 10th Olympiad since and 40th anniversary of the terrorist massacre of Israeli competitors and their coaches during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
This Assembly urges the Mayor of London to use his position and influence to ensure an official minute’s silence remembrance is observed in the Olympic Park during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.”
The call follows the rejection by the International Olympic Committee to mark the anniversary at the 10th Olympiad since the massacre. Mr Dismore says that the IOC’s political posturing must not be allowed to obstruct the remembrance of the murdered Israeli athletes.
Andrew Dismore, Labour London Assembly member said: “We should mark this anniversary and stand against hatred and terrorism. The Olympics are an iconic and unique symbol of world peace through the celebration of sporting achievement. Boris Johnson has finally come out in support and now we have the American government backing this call. It is time for the IOC to act.”
“By refusing the simple and dignified request for a minute’s silence, the International Olympic Committee are making a fundamental mistake and missing an opportunity to both show respect and hold up the ideals that underpin the Olympics. In remembering the murdered Israeli athletes we should also remember all those whose pursuit of sporting excellence has been hijacked by terrorism or political extremism.”
“The IOC need to be challenged rather than being allowed to ride rough-shod over host-cities’ wishes. Like many cities, London has witnessed appalling terrorist attacks. Asking for a minute’s silence to commemorate terrorist victims of the Olympics themselves is not much to ask.”
