BERLIN – The households of Israeli athletes murdered on the 1972 Munich Olympics plan to boycott a ceremony marking the fiftieth anniversary of the assault in a row with German authorities over compensation, Bild newspaper reported on Thursday.
Widows of the victims wrote to the premier of the state of Bavaria, saying: “50 years of insults, lies, humiliation and rejection by the German authorities and particularly the Bavarian authorities are greater than sufficient”, Bild mentioned, citing the letter.
An official ceremony is deliberate for Sept. 5 in Munich. A spokesperson for Germany’s inside ministry mentioned it could just like the households to participate.
Reuters was unable to right away contact any of the widows of the victims. No one on the Bavarian authorities was obtainable to remark.
On Sept. 5, 1972, members of the Israeli Olympic staff have been taken hostage on the poorly secured athletes’ village by Palestinian gunmen from the Black September group.
Inside 24 hours, 11 Israelis, 5 Palestinians and a German policeman have been lifeless after a standoff and subsequent rescue effort erupted into gunfire.
A spokesperson for Germany’s inside ministry mentioned the federal government had intensified its work on remembering the victims and the deep human and political dimension of the assault because the fiftieth anniversary approached.
For the reason that finish of the Holocaust and World Struggle Two, Berlin has felt a particular duty in the direction of Israel.
The households are additionally in talks with the federal government about compensation.
“The federal government, state of Bavaria and metropolis of Munich have determined to supply households greater than the funds (which have) already been made,” mentioned the spokesperson, including it regretted that no settlement had but been reached.
“(The federal government) stresses its willingness to proceed the talks,” mentioned the spokesperson.
Ilana Romano, spouse of weightlifter Joseph Romano who was one of many victims, requested final month concerning the compensation supply, instructed Israeli radio station 103fm: “It’s humiliating. It gained’t assist them. We'll boycott the ceremony. Perhaps they may be taught the onerous approach.”
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