Members of the Israeli team march on the field of the Munich Olympic stadium 06 September 1972 to attend the memorial ceremony paying tribute to their countrymen killed by a commando of Palestinian terrorists. (Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)
LONDON -- British prime minister David Cameron parted ways with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others around the world who are campaigning for a moment of silence at the Olympics opening ceremonies to commemorate the killing of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches at the Munich Games in 1972. The men died after being taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists.
At a news media briefly Friday in the Olympic Park, Cameron said he would attend a commemoration for the Israelis and pointed out that London mayor Boris Johnson and International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge have also done so. But Cameron rejected the idea of a moment of silence.
"I think what matters is that we properly commemorate this," he said. "Those things are the right way."
Clinton earlier this week came out in support of a moment of silence, and sent a letter to Olympic officials urging them to take the time during Friday's opening ceremony.
Rogge has said there will be no moment during the ceremonies. He and Johnson participated in a minute of silence earlier this week at the Athletes Village.
USA Today