The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games is one of the most watched events around the world. People from all over the globe, in hundreds of countries, tune in for the spectacle. The Olympic Games is one of hte few events that brings the world together in such a way. These 2012 games are the 40th anniversay of the human tragedy that happened in Munich in 1972, when 11 Israelis were killed as part of a hostage crisis.
Inexplicably, the International Olympic Committee once again rejected a request sent by the deputy foreign minister of Israel on behalf of two widows of the murdered hostages to hold a moment of silence at this year's Opening Ceremony. Apparently, families of the victims have requested a simple moment of silence on many occasions before, but with this being the 40 year anniversary of the tragedy, Israeli officials have now asked for the courtesy. And they've been turned down by the IOC as well in what can only be described as a maddening, inhumane, insensitive act.
However, one man is going to step in and do his part where the IOC will not. NBC's Olympic anchor, Bob Costas, will have his own minute of silence as the Israeli athletes enter the Olympic Stadium in London. Costas told The Hollywood Reporter what his plans were for the broadcast:
"I intend to note that the IOC denied the request. Many people find that denial more than puzzling but insensitive. Here's a minute of silence right now."
Thank you Bob Costas. Thank you for giving those victims and their families a mere minute of respect during the Olympic Games, which the International Olympic Committee has failed to do so for 40 years.
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