The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Commends CTV and Rogers Media Inc. for Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Munich Massacre

TORONTO, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs commended Canada's Olympic broadcasters (CTV and Rogers Media Inc.) for their passionate stand, offered by hosts Brian Williams and Lisa LaFlamme during today's opening ceremonies at the 2012 Games, in support of a moment of silence for the eleven members of the Israeli national team who were murdered in Munich in 1972.

"All Canadians can take great pride in our host Olympic broadcasters for paying tribute to the Israeli team members and their families," said David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

"We applaud them for taking this principled stand, in keeping with the highest ideals of the Olympic tradition. Indeed, the broadcast team's remarks evoke a stark moral contrast with that taken by the International Olympic Committee - which incomprehensibly refused to hold a moment of silence," said Koschitzky. "The murder of these athletes and coaches was an international atrocity that will forever scar the Olympic Games. In taking a moment to remember this event during the opening ceremonies, Canada's Olympic broadcast team helped to ensure that the horrors of Munich will not be forgotten."

As the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that creates and implements strategies for the purpose of improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada and abroad, increasing support for Israel, and strengthening the Canada-Israel relationship.

---unofficial transcript of remarks by CTV's hosts---

Brian Williams: And as Israel prepares, my position is well known and it is one that I have taken in previous Olympics. It is wrong that the IOC refuses to have a minute's silence for the Israeli athletes that were slaughtered in Munich. It is a much bigger issue this year, as it's the 40th anniversary of Munich. Members of the Canadian government, yesterday our Governor General, all calling for a moment's silence. Dr. Rogge says the ceremony is not the place to remember a tragic event, but - it's tragic - however it's one of the most significant and world-changing events in Olympic history. It absolutely should have been done here. The IOC worries about politics? This event is political by its very nature.

Lisa LaFlamme: The widow of one of the victims spoke out saying 'they came with dreams, they went home in coffins.' They want to be remembered here tonight.

Brian Williams: And remember - they died as Olympians.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Steve McDonald
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