It Is Time The International Olympic Committee Recognises The Tragedy At Munich

“Federal Parliament will today debate a motion calling on the International Olympic Committee to observe one minute of silence at the 2012 London Olympic Games in honour of the 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and referees murdered by terrorists at 1972 Munich Olympics”, said Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield today.

Moved by Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield and seconded by Josh Frydenberg, Member for Kooyong, the motion calls for appropriate recognition of the dreadful events of September 5 & 6, 1972.

“For forty years families of the victims have asked the International Olympic Committee to observe a minute of silence, in the memory of the victims, and to promote peace.

“To date, the International Olympic Committee have disappointingly declined these requests”, Mr Frydenberg said.

“Earlier this month the Canadian Parliament moved a motion calling for one minute’s silence,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The motion was unanimously supported”.

“Similar motions have also been initiated in the House of Commons and the United States Congress this year”.

“Such a gesture at the 2012 London Olympics would be particularly fitting as it will mark the 40th anniversary of the events”, Mr Fletcher said.

A copy of the Motion is attached.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF MOTION

MEMBER FOR Bradfield. : I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move—That this House:

1. (1)notes that:
   1. (a)Tragically, at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, 11 members of the Israeli team were murdered in a terrorist attack
   2. (b)The impact of this event has been seared on world consciousness
   3. (c) For forty years the families of those murdered have asked the International Olympic Committee to observe a minute of silence, in their memory, at each Olympic Games
   4. (d) This request is being made with respect to the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London
2. (2)calls on the International Olympic Committee to observe one minute's silence at the 2012 Olympic Games in honour of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered by terrorists at 1972 Munich Olympics.