Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Memorial Plaque for 11 Olympians Creates New Friction Between Israel and Bonn

November 17, 1972
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A memorial plaque for the 11 Israeli Olympic athletes slain by Arab terrorists in Munich Sept. 5, which omits the name of one of the slain Olympians and has a cross instead of the Star of David next to each name, became a new source of irritation today between Israel and West Germany. The Foreign Ministry disclosed that it has asked West German authorities to explain these errors on the plaque, photographs of which have been published in the Israeli press. West German authorities said they knew nothing of the plaque. They said the only official plaque to the slain athletes will not be unveiled until Dec. 10.

The controversial plaque includes the name of Tuvia Sokolsky, a wrestling coach, who survived the Munich massacre but omits the name of one of the victims, wrestling referee Yosef Gottfreund. West German sources said the bungled plaque was probably erected by an anonymous party.

Deputy Premier Yigal Allon told the Knesset that the IL 4.35 million fund for the survivors of the Munich victims will be distributed according to an agreement by the survivors. He said the parents of each unmarried victim will receive IL 250,000 and the orphans and parents of married victims will receive IL 100,000.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement