Time stood still today, as the news of the tragedy in Munich reached Israel. People on the street and in their homes stayed glued to their radios, as government officials met in private session in Premier Golda Meir’s office to discuss further action on the matter.
The wife of Moshe Weinberg, the 32-year-old coach of the wrestling team who was killed by the Arab terrorists, heard the news of her husband’s death from radio reports and the evening newspapers, which appeared on the streets earlier than usual. Although Mrs. Weinberg, who gave birth to a son three weeks ago. got in touch with the Wingate Institute of Sport, where her husband worked, she was unable to receive immediate confirmation of the murder. Finally the news was confirmed.
Unofficially, Israel was reported to be taking the view that because no ultimatum had been put before the Israeli government, the Cabinet was in no position to deal with the possible demands of the Arab terrorists. Meanwhile, in Munich, rumors circulated that Defense Minister Moshe Dayan would be flying to the West German city. The rumors proved unfounded.
Education Minister Yigal Allon. the Cabinet minister in charge of Israel’s participation in the Olympic games, was in close touch with the Israeli athletic delegation in Munich. Many Israelis expressed shock and surprise at the apparent lack of security measures surrounding the Israeli team, especially in view of the reported infiltration of a number of Arabs into West Germany in recent days.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
