The Munich Olympics Attack
The Munich Massacre, carried out by the Black September organization during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, involved the kidnapping and murder of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
The staff of the Olympic Committee's press office pays tribute to the victims of the Munich terrorist attack with a spontaneously set up condolence memorial book.
12 Facts To Know About the Munich Massacre
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Date and Location: The Munich Massacre occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, on September 5–6, 1972.
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Perpetrators: The Palestinian militant group Black September carried out the attack, seeking global attention for the Palestinian cause.
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Hostages: Black September took 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage.
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Demands: The group demanded the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and two German left-wing militants.
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Failed Rescue Operation: A rescue attempt by German police at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base ended in disaster, resulting in the deaths of all 11 Israeli hostages.
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Casualties: In addition to the hostages, five Black September members and one German police officer were killed.
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Impact on Global Terrorism: The attack marked a significant shift in international terrorism, drawing attention to non-state actors and their global influence.
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Israel’s Response: In retaliation, Israel launched Operation Wrath of God, targeting those involved in planning the massacre.
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Security Gaps: The incident exposed serious security failures in Germany, particularly in handling terrorist threats at international events.
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Media Attention: The attack was broadcast live worldwide, bringing unprecedented media coverage to the rise of terrorism.
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Legacy: The massacre led to increased global counterterrorism measures and security at major international events.
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Symbolism: The event became a symbol of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the escalating violence and political tensions in the Middle East.
The Munich Massacre had significant international consequences. It exposed major gaps in global counterterrorism readiness and resulted in increased security measures at international events.
Black September’s Munich Attack
During the XX Summer Olympic Games in Munich, a Palestinian terrorist commando of the Black September organisation carries out an attack on the Israeli Olympic team.
During the ambush on their accommodation in the Connollystraße in the Olympic Village on September 5, 1972, the assassins kill two athletes and take nine members of the Israeli team into their captivity.
German police officers prepare for their mission to free the hostages. The rescue operation ends in a catastrophe.
The Day Terror Hit the Olympics: Munich Massacre Details
Black September, a militant Palestinian group, sought to gain global attention for the Palestinian cause and to negotiate the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The terrorists make an ultimate demand for the release of 200 Arabs imprisoned in Israel and threaten to shoot the hostages immediately.
After negotiations with Federal Interior Minister Genscher and Police President Schreiber, the terrorists arrange to be taken to the Fürstenfeldbruck airport together with the hostages
An attempted rescue operation by the German authorities at the Fürstenfeldbruck air base ends fails.
After a firefight lasting several hours all hostages were murdered.
Furthermore, one policeman was killed in the attack, five of the terrorists died during the raid.
Should the Games go on?
The Munich Olympic Games were interrupted.
After a half-day break and an accompanying memorial service, they subsequently resumed. The IOC decides to continue the competitions.
At the Olympic Stadium's mourning ceremony, President Avery Brundage speaks the famous sentence: "The Games must go on! However, the Olympics no longer have the spirit of the days before the assassination.
The Munich Olympic Games were interrupted. After a half-day break and an accompanying memorial service, they subsequently resumed.
The 1972 Munich Massacre by Black September was a turning point in global security. The brutal killing of Israeli athletes during the Olympics catalyzed a worldwide overhaul in counter-terrorism practices and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures.