Munich Memorial

The Munich memorial honours the 11 Israeli athletes and officials who lost their lives during the games of the XX Olympiad at Munich in 1972.

“On that nightmarish day, Black September, a Palestinian terrorist group, scaled a two-metre fence surrounding the athlete’s village, found the second floor accommodation of the Israeli team and shot wrestling coach, Mosche Wieinberg. Weightlifter Yosef Romano was also killed as he blocked a door as two of his teammates jumped through a window to safety. Ten other athletes were taken hostage, with only one, Gad Tsabari, dashing through a hail of bullets to freedom. As volleyballers from Russia and Poland continued their Olympic competition, the terrorists demanded the release of 200 Palestinians and safe passage out of the country. When the terrorists and their nine remaining hostages were on the taramac at a nearby military airport, West German police opened fire. In the shootout all hostages were killed as well as four terrorists and one policeman. Ever since, the security of Olympic athletes has been paramount.” ^[1]

 The memorial which was dedicated on 15 October 1999, contains the following inscription:

“They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions” Samuel 2:1-23 and Hebrew Text which translates as:

“God of compassion, let them find shelter in the shadow of your wings and may their souls be bound up in the bond of everlasting life.”

The Munich Memorial is the first permanent Olympic dedication to the 5 September tragedy. The memorial was unveiled by Munich Olympics swimming star Shane Gould.