House of Commons from London Eye. Photo: wiki commons.

Tessa Jowell, a British Member of Parliament,  is urging her fellow lawmakers to hold a minute of silence this summer, in honor of the Israeli athletes and coaches who were killed during the 1972 Olympic Game in Munich by Palestinian terrorists.

Hugh Robertson, who has played a prominent role in preparing London for this summer’s Olympics, as a parliamentary under secretary of state, says the House of Commons has not decided whether to conduct the commemoration, however he supported the issue being raised.

“I visited the Israeli Olympic Committee some years ago when I was in opposition and am well aware of the importance of this matter to the state of Israel and to the Olympic movement,” he said. “I will do everything that I can to ensure that it is marked in an appropriate fashion.”

Robertson noted that Britain’s culture secretary intends to partake in a ceremony marking the 1972 murders, during this summer’s games. The International Olympic Committee, which has been urged by U.S. lawmakers and the state of Israel, to hold an official moment of silence during the opening ceremonies, has rebuffed those requests, stating they will mark the Munich tragedy during the Olympics by attending events organized by “outside groups”.

“One thing is certain: We will never forget,” the IOC has stated.