Engel and Lowey Introduce Resolution Calling for 2012 Olympics Minute of Silence

Statement

On the heels of the International Olympic Committee again refusing to honor the 40th anniversary of Israeli athletes and coaches murdered at the 1972 Olympic Games, Congressman Eliot Engel and Congresswoman Nita Lowey today announced the introduction of House Resolution 663, Congressional legislation calling on the IOC to commemorate the Munich 11 during the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremonies.

"Forty years after a terrorist attack that reverberated far beyond the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has a moral responsibility to commemorate the Israeli athletes and coaches who died. We're not asking for a gold medal -- just a minute of silence. That is why we introduced House Resolution 663 expressing the sense of Congress that IOC should provide a solemn recognition to the horror that befell the Games in 1972 through a minute of silence at the 2012 opening ceremonies.

"The Munich 11 were part of the Olympic family, and IOC's rejection thus far of a minute of silence is unacceptable. We intend to put the U.S. Congress on record that those who died deserve to be remembered in a respectful manner to mark this anniversary."

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