UK envoy pays tribute to slain Israeli athletes
British Ambassador Matthew Gould attends special Knesset session marking one year to London 2012, says 'it is impossible to say the words Olympic Games without recalling that awful moment in Munich'
British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould officially invited the Israeli delegation to participate in the London 2012 Games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.
The event was attended by Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat and Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was slated to take part in the event and give his blessing to the Israeli athletes, was absent due to the different crises on his agenda these days.
Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat (Photo: Oren Aharoni)
"In a year," Ambassador Gould said in his speech, "the team of the State of Israel will be welcomed to London, as part of the Olympic family, as our honored guests. In a year, the entire world will be watching as you compete."
As opposed to the International Olympic Committee, which has refused to hold a ceremony in memory of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered in Munich in the 1972 Olympic Games and regularly ignores the issue, Gould did not forget.
"It is impossible to say the words Olympic Games without recalling that awful moment in Munich, devastating in its scope and tragic in its consequences," he said. "It is almost 40 years since the world watched those shadowy hooded figures on a Munich balcony, and collectively mourned the murder of 11 Israeli athletes. The world saw then the very worst in humanity."
'Day of celebration for Israeli sports'
Culture and Sports Minister Livnat said in her speech, "This is a day of celebration for Israeli sports. Today we are marking the start of the Olympic year at the Knesset, and let's hope this year ends with an overwhelming presence of our athletes on the medal podium in London.
"The event you will take part in is the biggest international event, not just in sports. Two-thirds of the world's population will be watching the games, and we all want them to see Israel at its best."
Knesset Speaker Rivlin complimented Israel's athletes. "You are a role model. You've chosen sport as a way of life. You're an example to us all, and we all know how hard you work for achievements."
'This time, London is waiting for us'
Israeli Olympic Committee President Zvi Varshaviak said, "We are very proud to be marching for the 15th time in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Our athletes are entering the final phase of competitions in order to obtain the desired ticket to the games.
"This is the end of a long and exhausting process. Our main goal is to remain in the family of medalist countries."
Gould with judo medalist Yael Arad (Photo: Oren Aharoni)
Israeli Olympic Committee Director Ephraim Zinger, who hosted the ceremony, said in his speech: "This is my fifth time here, kicking off the Olympic year. I get excited every time, as if it's the first.
"Since Helsinki 1952, 323 athletes have represented Israel in the Olympic Games. At first it was all about participating, but since Barcelona 1992 we also have medals.
"In Athens 2004 we realized the vision. The hope is worth gold with Gal Fridman's medal. In 1948, when the State of Israel was just established, we didn't participate in the London Olympics. But this time, London is waiting for us."
Esther Roth-Shachamarov, one of Israel's greatest athletes of all time, began her speech by commemorating the 11 Munich victims, including her personal trainer.
"I follow the accomplishments of all of our athletes," she said. "All that is left for me to wish you is that you go in peace and, most importantly, return in peace."
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