Hours after the announcement that the German government and the families of the 11 victims of Munich reached an agreement on financial compensation 50 years after the massacre, Ilana Romano, the widow of weightlifter Yosef Romano, is trying to digest that the long struggle - at least in terms of money - has come to an end today (Wednesday).
"That we lived and lived and reached this day," Romano excitedly told Israel Hayom.
"The two presidents of the countries have already congratulated, we also congratulate and we will arrive at the official ceremonies next week."
Ilana Romano and Anki Spitzberio, photo: Getty
how do you feel now
"A stone is lifted above my heart, and I feel that there was a real victory here, that justice has come to light. We asked for an investigation, we asked for responsibility and we asked for adequate compensation. I think that now we have reached rest and inheritance after 50 years, and I think that what is left for the children is to commemorate those martyrs who were murdered for no injustice In the palm of your hand, our loved ones."
It took 50 years
"What to do, we had to dig for 50 years and hurt ourselves, but when you believe in a goal you run towards it, without thinking how much you hurt yourself."
Do you think it would have been possible to end this suffering much earlier?
"This is a question that should be asked of the Germans, they should give the answer."
And despite everything, I guess the fight is not over and you will continue to commemorate the loved ones
"To perpetuate is forever. It will be passed on to future generations. The Olympic Committee is responsible for remembering and reminding their legacy to future generations. There is no sports delegation that goes out and does not hear their legacy. An Olympic Committee is sitting here that has been leading a remembrance for 50 years. We should mention the minute's silence in Tokyo which was extremely moving, every This is after an exhausting struggle."
what will happen now
"There is no doubt that a lot of scum will come out when they open the archive, it's a risk they are taking, they appointed Israeli historians and lawyers with the cooperation of the Germans."
And the victory was also all the recent achievements in sports, especially in Munich with a lot of medals
"It was really fun and exciting to see the athletes wrapped in the Israeli flag. Every medal turns on the light for us. I'm talking to you and I'm shivering. It's the legacy, the continuity. Since then, we've been collecting medals and kudos to the Olympic Committee for its legacy. All the medals are the victory of the spirit." .
Do you think we will see a minute of silence again in Paris 2024?
"Thomas Bach is such a good friend of ours, and I believe he will not give it up."
were we wrong
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