by KERRI SACKVILLE
Olympic fever is upon us, and in the midst of all the excitement, I want you to take a moment, and imagine something. It’s not very festive, and it’s a little bit distressing, but it’s important, so I want you to bear with me.
I want you to imagine that you wake up tomorrow morning, and you turn on the TV to see the latest updates from the Games. And instead of a depressing medal tally, or the elation of Aussie gold, you learn that overnight, eleven of our male Olympic athletes and coaches were murdered in the village. You learn that terrorists stormed into their apartment, took them hostage, and gunned them down.
Imagine the horror you would feel. Imagine the grief experienced by our entire nation. Imagine the outrage we would feel, that our beautiful, young athletes were brutally killed at the Games of peace and goodwill.
Well, I can imagine that, because that’s what happened to eleven Israeli athletes and coaches forty years ago, in 1972, at the Munich Olympic Games.
At 4:30 am local time on the fifth of September, as the athletes slept, eight members of the Palestinian group Black September broke into the athlete’s village armed with assault rifles.
Moshe Weinberg and Youssef Romano were murdered in the initial attack as they tried to repel the gunmen. Nine of their teammates, including fencing coach Andre Spitzer, were gunned down by their captors during a bundled hostage rescue. The Israelis weren’t soldiers. They weren’t politicians. They were athletes and coaches, who had trained since childhood to compete in their chosen sports. And they were killed.
After a memorial service, the Munich Games continued as normal, although some teams and individual athletes made the personal decision to leave. As Dutch distance runner Jos Hermens was quoted as saying, “You give a party, and someone is killed at the party, you don’t continue the party. I’m going home.”
The London 2012 Olympic Games marks the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre. As is any anniversary of a death, this is a sad time for the people of Israel, and indeed for Jews around the world. To commemorate the deaths, the relatives of the eleven slaughtered athletes asked the IOC to observe a minute’s silence during the opening of this year’s Games.
The request was refused.
IOC President, Jacques Rogge
Despite support and petitioning from other world leaders, including Barak Obama, Julia Gillard, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IOC remained resolute.
The IOC has argued that to commemorate the slaughter of the slaughtered Israelis would serve to politicise what is supposed to be a politically neutral event. Critics believe the IOC is bowing to pressure from Arab nations, who have previously threatened to boycott the Games if any commemoration was made.
I do not like to believe that anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism exists. However, I can only imagine the response if it had been eleven American athletes who were killed, or eleven Australian athletes, or eleven athletes from Asia, or Europe. I am pretty sure that there would have been a minute’s silence. After all, it’s really not so much to ask.
Sadly, the Israelis were afforded no such respect. All I can say is that I thought of the eleven murdered athletes during the opening ceremony, and I have thought of them each day since. And I humbly ask that you think of them too, and pray that such a horrific situation will never be repeated.
Kerri lives in Sydney with her husband and three kids. Her first book was “When My Husband Does The Dishes…” and her second book, “The Little Book of Anxiety“, is out now. You can follow Kerri’s blog here and catch up with her on Twitter here.
Comments
334 Comments so far
Sorry I didn’t see this myself…thought you’d like to read about it, Kerri:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/jewish_gal_shows_up_ioc_with_gold_6OBzi2VCkaszwS0ij3n7OI/0
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How can the IOC President, Jacques Rogge possibly keep a straight face and say that the olympics are free of politics? They have been embrolied in politics since the ‘modern era’ games started. think 1936 Berlin, 1968 Mexico City, 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles, just to name four. In two weeks of over-indulgent self congratulations, histrionics and downright embarrassing performances (and, no, I don’t mean the Australian swim team’s poor efforts) how could the whole olympic ‘community’ not demand one lousy minute to respect 11 people killed for no other reason than that they were there to represent their country.
“Faster, Higher, Stronger” is just taking them further away from reality and humanity.
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Brilliant janes.
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The World Olympic Committee head vigorously opposed a minute’s silence during the opening of the London Olympic Games in memory of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics in Germany in 1972.
Lots of people here posted comments about the need to keep politics out of the Olympic games but you have to wonder why the IOC President Jacques Rogge likes to wear scarves with Palestinian flags on them?
Just saying ….
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As some people commented below, the IOC claim they hold a formal commemoration each year on September 5 at the military airport of Furstenfeldbruck, where the killings took place.
If this is the case then the decision to include or not to include a memorial at the olympics is not because they refuse to commemorate, but because they disagree with holding it there.
Whether you agree or disagree with this can be argued forever, because it is political.
On another note and as people have said, there has been several commemorations around the world by community leaders and others (including a couple in London just before the Olympics, Athlete’s Village on the 23rd July, Trafalgar Square on the 27th July).
So I suppose the real question should be where and when to commemorate, not whether to or not.
Also, there were 17 people killed in that incident, 11 Israeli coaches and athletes, 5 terrorists, and 1 German policeman.
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What happened to the athletes was a tragedy, made worse by the fact that some may have been saved if the rescue efforts weren’t so significantly flawed from the start.
That said, I do not agree with poster regarding an anniversary at the games. The IOC has made the correct decision to mark this anniversary in an appropriately sensitive way. As for the strongly worded comments left for this article who on earth did the Mamamia team expect when publishing such subject matter? From some of the MM teams responses you seem genuinely surprised this has caused such a reaction which is baffling to me.
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Exclusive: Son of Murdered Israeli Olympian Speaks Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edbfWpRfXxs&feature=share
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The IOC used the same ‘no room for politics in sport’ argument when they ignored the protests of international human rights organisations and chose China as the host for the last Olympics. I’m cynical enough believe that the IOC use this philosophical position as a convenient excuse to not let ethics interfere with the Big Business of the Olympics.
Personally I believe 11 athletes being murdered by terrorists at a peaceful sporting event could and should have been commemorated, with the focus being on the innocent people who lost their lives, not the political agenda of the terrorists who killed them.
I don’t think it is helpful to make this about antisemitism. In the same way that the IOC ignoring the human rights abuses of China was not about Sinophobia. I think both decisions by the IOC deserve criticism, but to base that criticism on race/religion actually lends weight to the IOC position.
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The Atlantic touches on this issue… good read http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/08/some-olympic-controversies-matter-others-dont/260568/
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‘bungled’ hostage rescue?
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Time is a wonderful antiseptic. It cleans up the messes and decisions made by gutless, devious or evil people.
I believe that one day there’ll be a commemoration ceremony to the 11 Israeli athletes brutally murdered in an Olympic village in Munich. It will be held at an Olympic games. It will come when the people in charge of these kinds of decisions show courage and rise above their fear of retribution. Much around the world will have to change to make that happen but I live in hope that I’m around to see it.
I also live in hope that I’m around to see Robert Mugabe given his marching orders. I also live in hope that the kind of rants against Israel, that I saw on this blog yesterday, will be a thing of the far, far away past. There’s so much else in the world that needs to change. Maybe it will take 3 generations? Maybe by the time it happens the men and women who contribute here will be old grannies and grandpas?
There’s much injustice in the world. It’s difficult and distressing when individuals engage in it. It’s heart-breaking and shattering when governments and official bodies engage in it.
One day the doves will fly. Let’s hope they won’t have to wait for those elusive flying pigs.
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It will be commemorated by the IOC on the 5/6th of September – the anniversary of when the tragedy occurred. Just not at the opening ceremony. I wish people would stop ignoring this fact.
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The familiies of the murdered Israeli athletes wanted the commemoration to be held during these Olympic games. It was an important symbol and would have had enormous healing powers. No one is oignoring the point you are making. It is simply not what the familes of the atheletes were requesting. And I wonder why the head of the IOC like to wear a scarf with the Palestinian flag on it? All about symbols for him too I guess?
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I disagree. I think the IOC made the right decision.
Those athletes deserve to be remembered! But just not during the opening ceremony. The Olympics needs to stay away from the politics.
A genuine question here though: Has any other opening Olympic ceremony taken time to remember them? Or is it only “special” now that it is a large round number anniversary?
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I don’t know why everyone is focusing on the political aspect.
Athletes were murdered at an Olympic games.
Isn’t that enough without bringing the Israeli/Palestinian issue into it?
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I don’t know why so many people are trying to get others to ignore it. No-one is saying the terrorists were right, but they didn’t just randomly choose who they went for. It was in response to stuff that they believed Israel had been doing. The Israeli/Palestinian issue is inextricably linked to what happened.
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from Wiki
“There is, however, a memorial outside the Olympic stadium in Munich in the form of a stone tablet at the bridge linking the stadium to the former Olympic village. There is also a memorial tablet to the slain Israelis outside the front door of their former lodging at 31 Connollystraße. On 15 October 1999 (almost a year before the Sydney 2000 Games), a memorial plaque was unveiled in one of the large light towers (Tower 14) outside the Sydney Olympic Stadium.[47][48]“
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Thanks for that!
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By the very fact that a post on a very small mummy blog with a very very small readership can generate such differing opinions
,shows that the IOC were put in an impossible position. If we can’t agree here on this small stage, what hope is there for agreement between nations. Especially considering many of those nations are still in conflict with each other.
The IOC were dammed if they did and dammed if they didn’t.
And as an aside,mdisagreeing with a person of the Jewish faith, does not make someone anti-Semitic and to say otherwise is total reverse discrimination.
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Couldn’t agree more.
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Very small mummy blog with a very very small readership?
How nice.
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I meant small in comparison to the world stage.
In the whole world stage, this blog and all of us who comment are pretty small and insignificant and even we can’t agree.
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I did turn on the tv to see the latest updates. It was a terrifying time for all. As a nation we worried about those representing us and we worried for the safety of all those at Munich. The IOC made the call to continue the games, the athletes made the call about staying or returning. TV coverage back then was nothing like now, I do remember the athletes returning home to many floods of tears.
My mum & dad remember the 1936 Berlin olympics the greatest shame of any modern day olympics ….Adlof Hitler….enuff said
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Kerri
I haven’t stopped thinking about this post since I read it yesterday. First of all, I want to say thank you for writing it. I can feel your anguish and despair in every line.
And the fact is that I had completely forgotten about those athletes. It took this post to remind me. That in itself says something … because they shouldn’t be forgotten. And I do think – perhaps at every Opening Ceremony – they should be remembered through some symbolic gesture. They were athletes. Competing in what was supposed to be a peaceful event. I don’t think this should be limited to 40th anniversaries. I think any athletes who have died during the Olympic Games (because of terrorism or some type of disaster) should be remembered.
I’ll be honest now and say that I have no real understanding of the history between Israel and Palestine. What I do know is that it’s not simple. And your post is by no means asking people to take sides or unravel that complicated history. This is a post simply saying, “We need to remember those athletes”.
It’s that simple.
And the answer is yes. We should.
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Bec, with all due respect, if you don’t know anything about the conflict, how can you know if it’s appropriate to hold a remembrance at the ceremony?
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It doesn’t matter that there was a conflict.
Athletes were murdered at an Olympic event. Not soldiers. It wasn’t part of a military incursion.
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I think that’s Bec’s whole point. Innocent athletes were murdered and they should be remembered. Those athletes had nothing to do with the conflict. We don’t know what their personal beliefs were. What was discussed in their homes. They were just athletes.
If Aussie athletes were murdered by some Iraqi hitmen at the games would we be saying “Well, you know Aussie troops were in Iraq …”
The athletes have nothing to do with it.
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I didn’t think that was Bec’s point but maybe I misunderstood.
My point is that it doesn’t matter that there is a conflict. You don’t need to know about the conflict to decide whether or not a memorial is appropriate.
Athletes were murdered. Not soldiers.
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Kerri, thank you for writing what most people worldwide have been feeling.
One needs to only open up newspapers from around the world to see how angry people have been about the IOC’s reaction in not commemorating those athletes who died (regardless of race or religion) at an Olympic Games where people are supposed to put their political issues aside and walk together unified in sport. One needs to only look at the opening ceremony where Israel walks after Iraq who walk after Iran to understand where and when political beliefs need to be put aside.
The western world was in support of these 11 victims of terror being commemorated at an Olympic event. The IOC’s decision was political instead of in the name of sport.
The question of why this Olympic Games and not others – its actually requested at every Olympics. Spitzer’s wife even requests that they take the political element out of it – say they were Olympic athletes – not Israelis or Jews if that is the controversy. I have been to a memorial in the Olympic Village in Sydney 2000 where they held a minute silence in the country flags area for those who want to come and remember. That’s for the athletes only and not enough. Look how many young ones in this forum dont even know about what happened.
The noise factor here is that Britain was in complete support of commemorating the victims and the media played harder with it being a rounded 40 years. The IOC’s decision is in fact a monetary one with over 1/3 of the competitors being from Arab countries and financial supporters of the IOC. Ask anyone involved with the IOC and they will blatantly tell you the same. One cant shoot down those that feed you…..can you?
As for the memory of the 11…..they will be forever in the hearts of those that believe acts of terrorism in peaceful sporting events is intolerable. This has been shown profusely with the amount of worldwide memorials held in the past week and coming week, as the build up to its void in a formal Olympic Ceremony is continued. This includes within the Olympic Village where Italy lead the way with teams making a mark by taking a minutes silence outside the Israeli quarters as their own protest of what should have been done.
The closing ceremony is still a few days away….here’s hoping.
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Actually if the post had purely been a reminder of the victims, it wouldnt have had such a backlash. There is no doubt they should be remembered (btw there WILL be a commemoration on the anniversary of the murder) – this post gained criticism for leaving out facts and also crying anti-semitism.
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MichMP, with all due respect, this is not the western world’s conflict (although we all seem to have an opinion on it don’t we?). If 1/3 of the nations competing at the Olympics disagree with a commemoration at the ceremony because of an ongoing war/conflict in their part of the world, who are we to say that they should have to be part of it? And if they pulled out, all London would be remembered for was the division that existed, not the unity.
If these issues were resolved, it should be a given. But they’re not. Do I hope to see this commemorated at an Olympics one day? Absolutely. But it’s too early for the athletes and the politics to be separated.
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“for writing what most people world wide have been feeling”
Really? Most? Really?
I bet the majority have not even given it a thought, starving people in Africa have bigger things on their mind. Half of Korea wouldn’t even know anything about it. Most of the Middle East would be thinking the opposite. China and India the two biggest populations in the world probably haven’t mentioned it in years.
What you meant to say is, some people in some countries in the world have made some comments in regards to it.
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It is appropriate to commemorate a tragedy that happened AT THE OLYMPICS, at the olympics.
To those who are saying that to do so would be a ‘political’ move, you are the ones politicizing the issue in my opinion.
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Hi everyone
It’s late and the debate is still pretty heated on this post. We’re a small team though (and we need a bit of sleep!) and can’t be around to moderate comments all night. So I am going to close comments for now – I’m sorry to stifle the discussion temporarily, we will restore comments tomorrow morning.
Have a great evening everybody.
Jamila
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Whoa, can of worms anyone?
For what it’s worth, I agree with the decision to continue the Munich Games, and the IOC’s decision not to commemorate the murders during the Opening Ceremony. Why bring people down and remind them of the hatred and divisions that exist in this world? The Olympics is meant to be about bridging differences and celebrating the world coming together. We have the other 364 days of the year to think about all the bad stuff. The opening ceremony is absolutely not the place to have a minute’s silence. At another point during the games, perhaps. But it would have struck a very off note indeed during the opening ceremony.
Nevertheless, an interesting and well positioned bit of opinion, and one that made me think. Don’t back away from your opinions, y’all, out of fear of being flamed.The interweb is full of people with too much time on their hands and a pressing need to let the world know They Are Right. (Just, please, let mutual respect and niceties be your baseline. Far more persuasive than strong words ever will be.)
Peace and love.
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Being a history teacher, I hope I am (at least) pretty well-informed of the events that led to the impasse that we have today. I think it would be very difficult to have the Palestinian athletes at an Olympic opening ceremony where we are honouring the memory of Israeli athletes – while the war is ongoing, I don’t think it would be appropriate. If Australia were in Palestine’s place, how would you feel as an athlete standing in the stadium? Much staring at the ground? Wishing it would open up and swallow you whole?
I think the IOC has done the right thing by having a ceremony on the actual day of the event. Perhaps in 10 or 20 years when hopefully a resolution (or at least something resembling peace) has been achieved it may be possible.
But while both sides are still fighting this war daily, it’s impossible to divorce it from politics.
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So you’re more concerned about Palestinians feeling uncomfortable than you are about commemorating murder victims?
Odd.
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Being a history teacher myself, I’m wondering what war you’re talking about? And as far as honouring Israeli athletes? Don’t you mean remembering the, murdered, Israeli athletes? And as far as the rest of what you say, I give up.
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Maeve – I was hoping in my maternity leave haze I’d missed something, but I don’t think I have…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-t-coleman-phd/the-decade-for-peace-in-i_b_1514383.html
Perhaps war was too strong a word for you? Maybe ‘ongoing conflict’ would be more appropriate?
I have a Jewish friend who just returned from studying in Israel (Australian born and raised and went to live with her father who had returned after divorce) and she says the situation feels just as unsafe and untenable as it always has despite the wall.
And for me, it’s not about taking sides. If the situation were reversed I wouldn’t expect Israeli athletes to be at a ceremony remembering Palestinians either. Despite it being 40 years since this horrendous act of violence, it’s far from over for both of these nations.
But please, I am always open to thoughtful debate and would love to hear the rest of what you think about my comment rather than you giving up. I love hearing what other history teachers think about things – that’s one way I continue to learn so many things from my learned colleagues.
Really – Please see my comment to Maeve. It’s not about taking sides. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians have their cross to bear and I don’t think the Olympics is the appropriate place for this to occur while the conflict is still very real for both of these groups.
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The war being waged upon Palestine by Israel backed by the US, is the war B is referring to. And you say you’re a history teacher?
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Thanx MM for a post that engages with history & politics & that is so thought provoking.
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I haven’t been on this site for, hmm, probably seven or eight months.
Discussions like the ones below remind me why it’s not a pleasant site anymore. Nastiness, trolling, disrespectful comments, and in stark contrast, over moderation of posts without really informing the readers why so they can learn from mistakes.
Gone are the days…this used to be a fun, interesting, unique community – now it’s just like a newspaper site – full of faceless, armchair critics and a staff concentrating on making money.
Bye again x
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Thank you Kerry for shining a light on this issue. I think the IOC’s decision was a complete cop out and totally inconsistent with their position on other “political” issues. As compared with the IOC allowing the Lebanese judo team to erect a curtain in the gym so that they couldn’t see the Israeli team training alongside them (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/judo/9433680/London-2012-Olympics-Lebanon-judo-team-refuse-to-train-alongside-Israel.html ) or humoring Iran who threatened to boycott the games because they thought the London 2012 logo looked like it spelled the word “Zion”. Puh-lease. I don’t think I ever expected the minutes silence to happen, nor did I expect the discussion following this article to overwhelmingly support your views. But I am glad you shared them anyway.
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Did they commemorate the deaths at the 1st, 5th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 33rd etc Olympics?
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That’s what I want to know!
I think it’s a fair question to ask if it wasn’t then, why now?
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I don’t comment on stuff like this too often but after reading most of these comments I’m pretty horrified by some of the comments made and I feel compelled to say this… This article is about 11 athletes being murdered in the most public way possible. The political motivation behind these murders is irrelevant to whether they should have been commemorated in the Opening Ceremony. Personally I would have liked to see some respect shown to remember these innocent souls. I’m all for people disagreeing but I really doubt whether most of the commentators here would dare be so rude in actual company. I’m amazed at the audacity of some people hiding behind their screens and I wonder why anyone would write comments from 3 different names – that’s just plain weird as far as I’m concerned.
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I want to know why it is only about commemorating the 40th anniversary, surely if everyone was serious about this it would be commemorated every Olympics.
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They have requested it every olympics, and have been turned down each time.
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Thank you Kerri for bringing this to my attention. I will think and pray for those athlete’s
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Thanks Kerri your post echoes my thoughts exactly
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I am deeply sad & very disillusioned about human nature after reading some of the ignorant comments below. They are insensitive, awful & are simply disrespectful to those eleven athletes murdered in Munich. As much as I would have liked the IOC to acknowledge them, they never will. It’s not because they are scared of the Arab nations & those countries that wage war on existence of Israel, quite simply it would highlight on the world scale their biggest ‘shameful’ event in Olympic history. Why would they want to draw attention to their inaction, their ambivalence or their decision to keep competitions going as the Israeli athletes were tortured, held hostage & then removed from the athletes village so that the Games could continue. They are ashamed, embarrassed & are quite happy for the world to forget their indiscretions.
I agree, let the politics stay out of the Olympics (except of course when the Lebanese Judo team requested a partition erected as they didn’t want to train next to the Israelis in which the IOC capitulated) & rather the Israelis do their own memorial on the actual day & do as they normally do – look after their own.
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“it would highlight on the world scale their biggest ‘shameful’ event in Olympic history. Why would they want to draw attention to their inaction, their ambivalence or their decision to keep competitions going”
I never thought of that – you’re possibly quite right.
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I just realised I do not “get” the Israel/ Palestine thing. Can anyone explain it to me- I have actually looked it up on Wiki before I did to fully”get” it.
So correct me if I am wrong- After World War two the Jews wanted to reclaim A country of their own so they took this Part of the Middle East? he Palestinians didn’t like it as they lost their homes and now the keep fighting over the Gaza Strip?
apart from that I don’t get who is the good side or bad side. I don’t understand why they can’t resolve the issue or why America is on Israel’s side??!? I totally can’t get my head around it.
As for the games- I don’t see the harm in a minutes silence but I guess they wanted a peaceful games and we worried it might bring out some more terrorism if they inflamed the situation.
.
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Because supposedly the God of gods is on Israel’s side and you can’t argue with that, can you?
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Anonymous, you’re disgusting.
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How so?
By summarizing Exodus 33:3 and a host of other biblical verses?
Please lay off the ad hominems and address the issue if you like.
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Er, not sure that’s the cleverest summary for Exodus 33:3 Anonymous:
Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.
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Hi Amandarose. That’s the bare basics of it. The problem is how Isral was claimed. The people who moved to Israel bought land and houses from the Palestinians or so they thought. The Palestinians were ordered out of their homes and forced to live else where. Walls were built to keep them out of the new Israel and check points and curfews were put in place to limit or deny them access to what used to be their home. Both sides are angry and feel targeted. There is so much hurt because the Israelis feel hated and persecuted (again) when they just wanted to get away from the horrors of the second world war. I don’t believe the individuals knew they were ripping off the Palestinians but the Palestinians were ripped off and now feel like prisoners in their own country (which is considered by some not to be a nation anymore). It is the fault of the governments involved not the people. However people are angry and lashing out at each other instead of getting angry at the Governments, the US and The UN for starting it all. There are only losers in this scenario and the US supports Israel because they know they stuffed up and Palestinians are living in poor conditions because of this stuff up. That’s just my overview of the situation. I do think there should be a minutes silence to remember the atheletes and I don’t think the Palestinians should feel shame or uncomfortable because it wasn’t them who did it. It was a terrorist group. They Olympics is a chance for nations to come together and heal.
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If we all focused on going forward rather than memorializing the past we’d be a lot better off. It’s the memorializing of past heroes and martyrs that keeps the world brooding with hatred.
Let the misdeeds of the past be a lesson and guide for the future, not some point of worship.
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It will be commemorated bythe IOC on the 5/6th of September – the anniversary of when the tragedy occurred.
The only person I see making a political issue of this is you Kerri.
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Absolutely agrees with you.
The reason why Barack Obama, Julia Gillard and Isreali PM wants this to happen is not good argument for why there should be special 1-minute silence – it’s purely political, the US, Australia (US’ best friend!) and of course Israel, would be on the same page on this non-issue.
It’s not as if it’s forgotten – many films and documentaries have been made (Hollywood made “Munich” a few years ago)
So to be dramatic and call this ‘greatest shame of the games’ is overtly dramatic and shoving your politics down people’s throats.
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Excellent post, Kerri, thank you for reminding us all.
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Feeling physically ill at some of the vile comments here.
Thank you Kerri for your thoughts, reasonably expressed. You tried. xx
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Just putting it out there: if this is a dinner party conversation, then we really shouldn’t be discussing religion or politics, let alone both!
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That would be one boring dinner party.
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Awww, come on ace, that would just make a kinda boring dinner party wouldn’t it?
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This is true… Especially because I’m pretty sure sex was also on the list of things one mustn’t bring up in polite dinner party conversation. Doesn’t leave a lot!!
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The responses from the mamamia staff in regards to this article is ridiculous. Was everyone was just supposed to nod and agree with what was written? I tried to find all the so-called offensive comments and found nothing but comments respectfully disagreeing.
So mm team, what was the acceptable response you expected?
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Hi Anon
Keep in mind that this is a moderated discussion. When people are referring to a comment they found offensive, it may be the case that it has been subsequently removed because it breached our dinner party rules. What is left below is a range of opinions that have been appropriately expressed. Of course we expected a range of opinions – we’re an opinion website, we see a range of opinions from our readers each and every day. And that’s a good thing.
Jamila
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Hi Jamila
I don’t think comments should be deleted because a person finds them offensive. Unnecessarily rude yes, but because someone disagreed or took it personally? No way.
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I agree 100% with you Anon!
MM is starting to remind me very much of the “cool clique” of nasty, egocentric and power-mad girls that ruled my school. They were the pretty and rich girls that the teachers sucked up to and they were tyrants to anyone a bit different or willing to express an alternative viewpoint.
MM staffers and contributors seem to jump on or belittle or disregard anyone who dares to disagree (I guess you know where your bread is buttered) but there would be so much more to gain by expressing diversity of opinion. Whilst there are some regular posters who are either regular haters or lovers, I have noticed a small (actually, dwindling) number who will agree or disagree as they see fit. Keep going, MM, and you’ll lose them and I don’t think you want that. Enjoy the healthy debate and don’t feel the need to back each other publicly just to show how tight you are. Groupthink kills creativity.
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Hi Mich,
We read through thousands of comments a week and we have to make a call about whether to delete or not.
We rarely delete comments but sometimes we feel it’s appropriate in order to maintain the kind of environment we’re trying to create.
It’s not fair to slam us for deleting comments that you haven’t read.
And no, disagreeing with the author of a post or expressing a sentiment that the editorial team (who all have different views on many topics) is not a criteria for deletion – never has been.
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I am not slamming anyone for deleting comments. Of course you have the right to determine what get’s published and what doesn’t… no problem there. My issue is that you and Lana posted about how “depressed” you were by the comments; others that they were offensive, insensitive and anti-semitic. The comments you published were none of those! Can’t you see why that winds everyone up??
As I said, it seems that whenever anyone responds with an alternative viewpoint, everyone associated with MM is quick to jump in with either scorn, bemusement, defensiveness or some snarky retort (Rick was a master of those). Why not just say that your opinion is X and leave it at that? And why do some feel the need to post in defence of the writer and add nothing else to the conversation?
If the posts I referenced above were in response to other comments that you had read and then decided not to publish, then maybe you need to articulate that as I would say the reasonable assumption is that you are referring to published ones.
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I agree. I have come back to this article again and again since it was posted yesterday, reading and re-reading the comments, trying to find the ones that are so “depressing” and “shameful” and “offensive” and “distressing” according to the writer, the Mamamia team and a few commenters.
I can’t see them.
If Mamamia has deleted said posts, then perhaps their comments should say that – instead of insinuating that the people who have respectfully disagreed are so awful.
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Moderators -if comments are being deleted then the name of the commenter should remain and the words “Comment deleted” inserted in its place. That way we don’t end up with the confusion of people responding to inappropriate comments looking like they are overreacting, ignorant etc because the source of their comment has been removed without a trace.
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The IOC are a completely corrupt law unto themselves, and I really doubt it would be treated any differently if it were any other nationality involved in that massacre. They do as they please and they answer to no-one. Why we put up with them I’ll never understand.
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hmmm…Yes the attack was awful, yes it should absolutely be commemorated. Would be a wonderful touch to have it commemorated at the actual olympics, but there will be commemorations on the actual anniversary, so I was a little surprised at the Kerri’s devastation, but then I didn’t fully know her own ‘story’, and what that brings to this article.
ALSO, I’ll be honest here and say I’m ignorant about the whole palestine / israel situation. I never studied it at school, and I’ve never found anyone who could explain it simply, or without bias. When I try to read about it, I go a little crosseyed. So yes, I’m ignorant. I know basics – jewish people want their own homeland, there’s war between Israel & Palestine about that. Beyond that, I couldn’t tell you which side was Jewish, Settlers, Occupied Territories, the works. Ignorant. not proud of that, but there you go.
What I do think after reading the article a couple of times, is that there might have been more support for the article, right up until this statement : “I do not like to believe that anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism exists”
At that point, politics and religion were brought squarely into the article (rather than it being JUST about the athletes) and I remembered that Kerri’s background is Jewish.
My response to the article then changed, and it wasn’t because of any anti-semitic feelings on my part, but because while I’m ignorant of specifics on the Israel / Palestine history, I do know that there’s a lot of emotion, a lot of history, a lot of ill-feeling and a lot of horrific treatment involved in that history. If your background is linked to that kind of history, then you’re going to find it extremely difficult to not be ‘coloured’ by that in your own responses.
My feelings about the post changed to think that Kerri’s motivation for writing the article and the level of attachment she has to the subject, were not just about commemorating athletes/remembering the attack, but was also especially significant because they were Jewish….or perhaps more that Kerri was trying to say that there’s a conspiracy at work, rather than differences of opinion, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
As others pointed out, the olympics are being held at ramadan, and muslim athletes could quite legitimately claim they’re being discriminated against, due to being weaker because of fasting, but that doesn’t appear to have happened (maybe it has? I don’t know, I’m ignorant about that, too).
I hope that all makes sense, and doesn’t fan the flames further!
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Thanks Kerri – def worth a minutes silence! These were athletes at the Olympics!! where better to honor them!??
And IOC not political ? Then why do they allow Palenstine to march in opening ceremony? Last time I checked they were not an official country! Seems political to me!
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More countries recognise Palestine than countries that don’t.
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Yes I agree .. Just making the point of IOC being political!!
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What’s the capital of Palestine?
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The proclaimed capital is Jerusalem. The administrative capital is Ramallah.
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Dear Kerri,
Many thanks for this article : )
There is no doubt in my mind that had the athletes of any other country been gunned down by terrorists there would be no issue here. It’s the fact that they are Israeli, Jewish athletes — that’s what seems to make it so ‘complicated’. Th comments below just prove it.
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I also notice that in situations where an article doesn’t meet with universal acclaim by MM readers a LOT of brand new nom de plumes suddenly appear, always in vehement support of the author.
Earlier one reader was pulled up for using several names and given a right, royal telling off.
It makes you wonder ? Yes.
Now to the individual who wrote the comment that I’m replying to….now we are all suddenly anti-semitic ? What a foolish implication. You really need to brush up on your reading and comprehension skills and learn to understand what you read. If there is one anti-semitic comment on this entire piece, I’ve yet to read it.
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I disagree. I think the same arguments would come up if it were Palestinian athletes or, say, one of those former-Yugoslav state athletes circa the early 90s etc.
And it is complicated. Conflicts like this usually are.
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Slightly off topic, but there is a brilliant documentary on this terrorism act called One Day in September – compelling viewing.
My uncle was involved in these olympics and was responsible for entering race results into a computer to be loaded onto the electronic scoreboard. He told me that many people working behind the scenes at these olympics were not even aware that ther terrorism act had been committed until the next day.
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Yes it was a good documentary wasn’t it. Did you see ‘Munich’ (Steven Spielberg movie about the secret retaliation)? Stars the gorgeous Eric Bana.
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One other thing: people need to realise, there are millions of Jews around the world who are not Israelis. And there are millions of Israelis who don’t like what their government is doing.
Anyone using the phrase “at the hands of the Jews” is either confused or has an issue with Jews – as opposed to having a problem with the Israeli government.
There’s a big difference.
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Thank you Chrissy. Yes. This.
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Mia, I usually love your writing, and am a big fan of the website, but will you please stop doing. This. or. That. It’s beyond irritating and seems to be a disease that has infected the entire mamamia editorial team!
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Couldn’t agree more, it is so lazy and annoying.
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Yes and I thought I was the only one who thought it was lazy writing! It also seems to affected a lot of commentators on the site as well.
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I agree with you Chrissy. I know many Jews who disagree with what happens in Israel. I think that goes with any group of people. I don’t like NRL but would you assume I do because I’m a QLDer. You made a very valid point.
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I agree.
On a related note, it frustrates me to no end how frequently people cry “antisemitism” any time criticism is directed at the Israel government… Or in some cases when anyone expresses anything less than 100% support of the Israeli government’s campaigns.
Personally, I am pro-Judaism, pro-Islam, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli, to the extent that I want a solution that provides both sides the opportunity to exist peacefully and happily in that territory (I guess that makes me the eternal optimist). I am, however, firmly against many of the actions taken by the Israeli government and military. The same goes for the Palestinians. I think the reason I often jump to criticise the Israeli side is mainly anger directed at the USA and other international forces that have consistently condoned & enabled Israel when their actions have been wrong. ARRGHHH it’s just all so complicated and unpleasant.
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We have Aussie soldiers in Afghanistan right now. There are many Afghans, Australians, and others who think that Australian soldiers should not be fightng there.
Innocent Afghans have died at the hands of Australian soldiers.
What if a militant group decided to express their opposition by killing Australian athletes?
Going by some people’s logic, Australia’s at war, so Aussie athletes are fair game.
But of course they’re not – because they are not the soldiers and the Olympics are not a theatre of war.
If – God forbid – they were killed, I would – and you should – expect a commemoration at the next Olympics.
NOT commemorating is a politiical act.
Commemorating deaths at the Olympics is just acknowledging that something horrible happened – at the Olympics.
It’s not saying that anyone is right or wrong in a conflict.
It’s just decent human behaviour.
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Chrissy when you are commemorating an incident such as this, you are commemorating the the context in which it happened. The two are inextricable, you can’t separate them. Also the killings happened in September. I don’t understand why there is a problem with having a memorial on the actual anniversary?
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“commemorating the the context in which it happened”
The context of the killings was the Olympcs. The athletes weren’t fighting the Palestinians.
This is not about asking the IOC to approve Israeli actions in Palestine. It’s about rememberinng murders at the Olympics.
It’s just not tat commplicated.
I do want to know what you think about the hypothetical of Aussie athletes being killed because of Afghanistan, though.
Would you be just as opposed to the commemoration of their murders?
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I never said I was opposed to the IOC commemorating the deaths of these people – I said I don’t believe you can separate the political context at the time between the countries, and the deaths themselves. I would feel the same if it were Australians. However, I think commemorating the deaths on the anniversary is fair. What is not fair about it? The Israelis did not die in August, they died in September. I think this is fairly simple to understand.
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Kerri, I am sorry you feel distraught by all the comments. It is a complex history we are looking back on (which I am in no way an expert on), and a particular incident that is steeped in an ugly political landscape. I don’t personally believe there is a right or wrong view on this matter, however it has been noted that the IOC has said they will commemorate the tragedy on its anniversary, which I think is more than fair. The killings occurred between 5-6th September and I think this an important point that you haven’t raised.
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Dearie me.
The problem as I see it is the inability of some people to tell the difference between Israel and ‘the Jews’ (as written by several posters here). It would be difficult for a Jewish person not to be offended by such statements.
The murder of the Israeli athletes was horrific. It was the work of terrorists. Yes, yes, I know. One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. But you tell me why those terrorists chose to murder athletes. Non combatants. Unarmed. Defenceless.
Off topic slightly but I thought the tribute to the victims of the London bombings was beautiful. I cried when I watched it. I cried when I came home from work that day and saw my city under attack. I cried when I couldn’t get through to my brother on the telephone because the lines were down. I didn’t know if he was dead or alive. I cried when my cousin finally sent me a text to say that everyone was fine. I cried when I saw how many people had been murdered and maimed, just going about their business.
Terrorists don’t get what they want. They just make people dig their heels in harder. Hate upon hate.
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Not defending terrorism in any way but what you explained probably is what citizens in war torn countries feel every day except they often don’t enter the war and are just often put down as collateral damage. Every life is valued the same in my eyes. A person killed anywhere in the world is a travesty. In Burma they are place babies above a sword and drop them….. why? Because they are Muslim. In Syria, they live under a tyrant who kills his own people. In Somalia, there is no food and mothers have to make a heartbreaking decision to choose which twin is to survive and which one shall die. Tell me. Honestly, does it matter? We didn’t spend the money of commemorating at these Olympics but they are commemorating later on. So is this just another first world problem? I think so.
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Sorry, what’s the first world problem? That people died or that some people want that to be commemorated at the Olympics?
It’s easy to say ‘first world problem’ these days. It’s just another way to say “You think you’ve got problems. You wouldn’t know a problem if it hit you in the face.”
So, none of us should voice an opinion because there will always be someone else in a worse position?
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My point was that people are s shocked it was’t commemorated on the opening day. Like it’s the most unjust thing in the world. It will be commemorated on it anniversary in September. I think the world has it’s priorities wrong. We could be fighting for the people who don’t have a voice or world leaders behind them.
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Sorry Kerry, I’ve got to disagree.
The Olympics always has been, and always will be, completely apolitical. What happened in Munich was horrific and tragic, but as you point out, commemorating it would be seen by some as a political statement. And it’s not the IOC’s place to get involved in such a heated issue.
The IOC doesn’t take sides in these things. Nations like North Korea, Syria and Zimbabwe are invited to compete, despite their obvious issues.
I also take issue with your suggestion that things would be different had they been American or Australian. I seriously doubt it.
I’m sure Israel is remembering and mourning those lost in Munich, but it’s not the IOC’s place to extend that into the Games.
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You know, if as stated, the Arab countries threatened to boycott the Olympics for commemorating the murders of innocent civilians by terrorists, I am not sure that they are worthy of participating in the Olympics. How pathetic that they could object to remembering the innocent lives lost. And how pathetic of the IOC to allow themselves to be blackmailed like that. Peaceful and politically neutral – I think not.
Thank you Kerri for bringing this issue to the attention of more people.
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Ok well I can’t get my original comment to post so if anyone is interested, take a look at the Israeli paper Haaretz online. The IOC held a tribute to the 11 athletes the Monday before the opening ceremonies. It was the first time the murdered athletes had been honoured in any Olympic Village.
I wish all pertinent information was included in articles like this and the Nick D’Arcy one. It would make the author and the discussion that follows seem more authentic to me.
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I’ll try it as a reply and see if this works:
IOC President Jacques Rogge, who on Saturday had ruled out marking the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre at the opening ceremony this Friday, said the victims deserve to be remembered. Thus he began a ceremony held on Monday by saying they were there to honor “the memory of 11 Israeli Olympians who shared the ideals and have brought us together in this beautiful Olympic Village.”
Rogge added, “The 11 victims of the Munich tragedy believed in that vision. They came to Munich in the spirit of peace and solidarity. We owe it to them to keep that spirit alive and to remember them.”
A minute of silence was observed following Rogge’s comments. Also in attendance were London Olympic Organizing Committee chairman Sebastian Coe, London Mayor Boris Johnson, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt and several IOC officials.
Rogge said that while sport had the ability to unite, it could not solve all the world’s problems.
“As the event of 40 years ago reminds us, sport is not immune from, and cannot cure, all the ills of the world.”
Following the ceremony Johnson pumped his fist and said: “Great speech.”
“It was a spontaneous suggestion,” Rogge told a small group of reporters after his speech. “This is indeed the first time that it has happened in the Olympic village.
“I could not speak here about peace and sport without reminding what happened 40 years ago,” said Rogge, who competed at the Munich Olympics as a sailor.
Family members of the athletes, coaches and officials who were killed by Palestinian gunmen during the Munich Olympics have tried for four decades to persuade the IOC to organize an official commemoration. Their calls were backed in recent days by U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as other politicians around the world.
Rogge said his decision to mark the anniversary was not aimed at ending calls for a minute’s silence during the opening ceremony. “The intention was not to calm anyone,” he said.
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beansbeansthemagicalfruit, you wrote:
“take a look at the Jewish paper Haaretz online.”
it’s not a “Jewish paper.” It’s an *Israeli* paper.
Not all Jews are Israeli and not all Israelis are Jews.
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Thanks Chrissy. That’s what happens when it takes several go’s at writing a post for it to finally make it on here. I’ve edited it now
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I live in Munich.
The events of 1972 haven’t been forgotten here – indeed there will be 2 memorial services marking the anniversary. There is also a permanent memorial in the Olympic Park, placed between the Olympic Village and the main stadium next to the main anchor for the stadium roof.
The Olympic Village still exists and is used as student accommodation btw.
The new permanent memorial will be in Fürstenfeldbrück, where part of the horrors occurred and the ceremony will take place on September 5th – the actual 40th anniversary.
Please don’t think of where I live purely in terms of horror – for the Olympic terror attack was one of many horrors in this city, while Munich is respectful of her sorrows, it is also a beautiful, welcoming place – do come and visit (and not just for the Oktoberfest!)!
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Well done Munich. I visited there about (gosh) nearly twenty years ago, and not for the Oktoberfest, and I loved it. The people were so friendly and the city gorgeous!
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I actually agree that the IOC made the right decision. For a few reasons.
Although you and I might not interpret it as a political statement, there are plenty others who would, and I don’t think the London Olympics are the place to possibly inflame the issue, when there could be unpleasant consequences.
Perhaps a separately held anniversary/memorial could be hosted by the IOC at another place/time. Perhaps in Munich? At a place and time where there are no unrelated Palestinian representatives are involved (without choice that is). Plus, then it could have well more than a measly minute but a properly planned out memorial with the world’s media still in attendance.
I agree that having it commemorated and remembered is important but I don’t think the London Olympics is the right place. Regardless of whether the intention is apolitical the interpretation by many would unfortunately be just the opposite…
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Just to bring some kind of balance to the article above, this was taken from the Jewish newspaper Haaretz (I’m not posting the link so the spam filter doesn’t nail me again):
The International Olympic Committee unexpectedly paid tribute on Monday (July 23) to the 11 Israeli athletes who were killed at the 1972 Munich Games, making this the first time their murders were marked in any Olympic village.
IOC President Jacques Rogge, who on Saturday had ruled out marking the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre at the opening ceremony this Friday, said the victims deserve to be remembered. Thus he began a ceremony held on Monday by saying they were there to honor “the memory of 11 Israeli Olympians who shared the ideals and have brought us together in this beautiful Olympic Village.”
Rogge added, “The 11 victims of the Munich tragedy believed in that vision. They came to Munich in the spirit of peace and solidarity. We owe it to them to keep that spirit alive and to remember them.”
A minute of silence was observed following Rogge’s comments. Also in attendance were London Olympic Organizing Committee chairman Sebastian Coe, London Mayor Boris Johnson, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt and several IOC officials.
Rogge said that while sport had the ability to unite, it could not solve all the world’s problems.
“As the event of 40 years ago reminds us, sport is not immune from, and cannot cure, all the ills of the world.”
Following the ceremony Johnson pumped his fist and said: “Great speech.”
“It was a spontaneous suggestion,” Rogge told a small group of reporters after his speech. “This is indeed the first time that it has happened in the Olympic village.
“I could not speak here about peace and sport without reminding what happened 40 years ago,” said Rogge, who competed at the Munich Olympics as a sailor.
Family members of the athletes, coaches and officials who were killed by Palestinian gunmen during the Munich Olympics have tried for four decades to persuade the IOC to organize an official commemoration. Their calls were backed in recent days by U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as other politicians around the world.
Rogge said his decision to mark the anniversary was not aimed at ending calls for a minute’s silence during the opening ceremony. “The intention was not to calm anyone,” he said.
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Sorry Katy – Looks like the posts I tried to make 3hrs ago are getting approved now and somehow this one got tagged under yours. I wasn’t posting this in reply to your awesome comment.
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I wouldn’t see a problem with commemorating it. I understand why they haven’t done so. I just get annoyed when people throw around anti-semitism when something doesn’t please the Jewish people.
I say this because I am constantly labelled by news, movies, and current affair shows as a terrorist or abused wife (I’m Muslim) yet I can’t turn around and say that’s anti-islamic? Just a bit off topic but my point is…. stop accusing people of anti-semitism. I can assure you that more people hate me (a muslim) than they hate Jews.
P.S I have a Jewish friend and I love and respect her. I also find that most people are pleasant towards me.
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Whoops was trying to add my pic to my icon.
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Gorgeous photo.
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