New York, NY, May 7, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the International Olympic Committee to hold an official commemoration at the London 2012 Olympic Games in memory of the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics by the Palestinian terrorist organization Black September.

 "This summer the 2012 London Olympic Games will mark the 40th anniversary of the murder of eleven Israeli athletes and coaches at the 1972 Munich Olympics by the Palestinian Black September terrorist organization," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Those killed included sons, fathers, brothers and friends who came to the Olympics in the peaceful spirit of competitive athleticism, but returned home in coffins, victims of ruthless killers violently opposed to Israel's existence."

In the four decades since the 1972 Olympic Games, the families of the slain Israeli Olympians have repeatedly requested a moment of silence in recognition of the massacre, only to be rebuffed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In a May 2 letter to Count Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC, the League expressed support for a petition by Ankie Spitzer, wife of slain Olympian Andrei Spitzer, which calls for the IOC to hold a moment of silence at the games. "Forty years has been too long for wait for an official tribute to those killed at Munich," wrote Mr. Foxman.

Spitzer's petition is sponsored by the JCC Rockland.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.