I.O.C. Rejects Israel's Request To Hold Moment Of Silence At 2012 London Games

The International Olympic Committee has rejected a request by the Israeli government to hold a minute of silence at the 2012 London Games in memory of the 11 Israeli athletes who were killed by terrorists at the 1972 games in Munich, The New York Times reports. 

“We strongly sympathize with the victims’ families and understand their lasting pain,” Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, said in response to the request. “What happened in Munich in 1972 strengthened the determination of the Olympic Movement to contribute more than ever to building a peaceful and better world by educating young people through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit.”

"(The IOC) has officially paid tribute to the memory of the athletes on several occasions and will continue to do so in close coordination with the National Olympic Committee of Israel," Rogge said.