I am deeply moved by the gesture that NBC's Bob Costas has said he will be making, during the broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.
2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the murder of eleven Israeli athletes and team members at the Munich Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has turned aside appeals for a moment of silence during the opening ceremonies, in recognition of the 40th anniversary.
(As one commentator has noted: "For more than three decades, the families of those killed in the attack have tried to have the Olympics honor their loved ones during the opening ceremonies. Incredibly, the IOC has steadfastly refused that very simple request.")
Mr. Costas says he will be acknowledging the anniversary, and offering a moment of silence, as the Israeli delegation is introduced.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bob-costas-olympics-israel-munich-351132
http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/white-house-supports-moment-of-silence-at-games/
http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/rogge-reiterates-stance-on-moment-of-silence/?ref=jacquesrogge
Today, the head of the Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, held an unexpected ceremony at the Olympic athletes' village, which included a moment of silence for the murdered Israelis.
http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/23/i-o-c-s-impromptu-munich-remembrance-draws-criticism/
