While Olympic officials remain steadfast in their refusal to permit a minute of silence at the opening of the London games as requested by Israel, German President Joachim Gauck appears a bit more moved by the Israeli request and he is planning to meet with the surviving members of the 1972 Israeli Olympic team. While it has not been confirmed, he may also be meeting with relatives of those athletes murdered in the terror attack.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon’s request for a minute of silence marking 40 years since the terror attack has been denied by Olympic officials.

The attack was carried out by terrorists tied to the Fatah organization on Sept. 4, 1972, resulting in the deaths of 10 athletes and a coach. A German policeman was also killed in the botched rescue attempt by W. German police, along with the Israeli hostages.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)