Political Quotes

“I rise today because there was an obvious omission in the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday. Forty years after 11 Israeli Olympians and a German police officer were murdered in the 1972 Munich games, the London games opened with no acknowledgement of this tragedy. There was neither mention nor a moment of silence for those victims of the Munich massacre. Forty years ago, on September 4, five Palestinians stormed the apartments of the Israeli national team in the Olympic Village, murdering 11 Israeli team members. Yet, again and again, the IOC has rejected requests to hold a moment of silence for the Munich 11 at the opening ceremonies. I thank Senator Gillibrand for her resolution calling on the IOC to hold a moment of silence at the opening ceremonies to remember the 1972 Munich massacre. I remind the International Olympic Committee that it is not too late. We can still pay tribute to these Olympians. These athletes were not random victims. They were targeted because of the country they represented and the beliefs they held. Jacques Rogge, the IOC President, has said: We feel that the opening ceremony is an atmosphere that is not fit to remember such a tragic incident. That is the best he can do. On the 40th anniversary, I cannot think of a more appropriate moment to remember and honor these 11 Olympians. The Munich massacre is part of the Olympic story. We can't erase it, and we should not overlook it.…”