From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Israel, Germany announce compensation deal reached for families of Munich victims
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Israel and Germany announced that a compensation agreement has been reached between Germany and the families of the victims of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.
“We welcome the fact that soon before the fiftieth anniversary of the massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, an agreement has been reached for a historical inquiry, the taking of responsibility, and suitable compensation for the victims’ families,” says a joint statement from President Isaac Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“We welcome the results of the discussions. This agreement cannot heal the wounds, but it includes an acceptance of responsibility on Germany’s part and its recognition of the terrible suffering of the victims, whom we shall commemorate next week, and of their loved ones.”
Members of the Palestinian group Black September terror group broke into the Olympic Village, killed two athletes from Israel’s national team and took nine more hostage on Sept. 5, 1972. The attackers hoped to force the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel as well as two left-wing extremists in West German jails.
All nine hostages and a West German police officer died during a rescue attempt by German forces. Relatives of the athletes accuse Germany of failing to secure the Olympic Village, refusing Israeli help and then botching the rescue operation.
The Times of Israel Community.