An important letter signed by Israel’s then-Prime Minister Golda Meir, addressing the horrific 1972 Munich massacre, is set to go up for auction. The letter, penned on official prime minister letterhead, is dated October 2, 1972, and was sent from Jerusalem to former US Sen. George Murphy (R-California).
In the letter, Meir expresses her gratitude for Murphy’s sentiments regarding the “vicious act” and emphasizes the global responsibility to combat terrorism.
“Thank you very much for your letter of 22 September... I know how strongly you feel about this vicious act,” Meir wrote. “It seems that only a strong realization on the part of the world of the dangers inherent in terrorist activities and their absolute condemnation can help check these acts.”
Meir also acknowledged the support from figures like Murphy, stating, “The stand taken by people like yourself is indeed a source of encouragement to us...” The letter is personally signed by Meir.
The single-page letter measures 8.75 inches by 11 inches. It shows folds and light wear, and is described as being in overall near fine condition. The letter comes with a PSA Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Bidding starts at $6,000.
The terror of the Munich Massacre
The Munich massacre involved the kidnapping and killing of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes and coaches during the 1972 Summer Olympics.
A little after 4 a.m. on September 5, eight members of the Black September Palestinian terrorist group scaled a fence into the Olympic village and, within minutes, broke into the hotel rooms where some of the Israeli players and coaches were sleeping.
They killed wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossef Romano, who attempted to resist, then wounded some of the others before keeping them under armed guard. Nine other Israeli athletes and coaches were later murdered by the terrorists during a failed rescue attempt.