Reparations deal paves way for Olympic families to mark 50 years since Munich deaths

Families of the Israeli athletes who were killed in the Munich Olympic massacre have struck an agreement for compensation from the German government.

The relatives have for years been campaigning for Germany to accept responsibility for the deaths of the nine Israeli athletes and two coaches after they were taken hostage by the Palestinian terror group Black September.

As recently as last week some family members had attacked what they considered Germany’s refusal to recognise their suffering.

But Jewish News understands the families have now agreed a package that includes a German admission of responsibility and the promise of a historical inquiry, as well as “suitable compensation”.

No figure has been announced.

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the president of Germany, said in a joint statement that would together commemorate the 50th anniversary of massacre next week, alongside the victims’ families.

Herzog said: “I believe that fifty years after this catastrophe, the time has come to find relief for the bereaved families and to reaffirm the lessons of this tragedy, including the importance of fighting terror, for future generations.”

Steinmeier added: “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I am grateful and relieved that a solution was found that opens the door to a joint commemoration. I also thank my friend and colleague Isaac Herzog for his trust and engagement, and for keeping the conversation open.”

Eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team were killed in 1972 after they were taken hostage at the Munich Olympic village by members of the Palestinian terror group Black September.

The site had been poorly guarded. Many died during a subsequent armed standoff and a botched rescue attempt by police.

Some payments have since been made to victims’ relatives, but families have demanded greater sums and for the authorities to be accept the mistakes they made half a century ago.