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In Munich, a Tribute to Israeli Athletes and Families’ Persistence

MUNICH — The gray space is carved directly into a grassy hillside, evoking an open wound.

In this way, the Munich 1972 Massacre Memorial, set to open on Sept. 6, is emblematic of the pain that has endured for many since that year’s Olympic Games, when 11 members of the Israeli team and one German police officer were killed by members of the Palestinian group Black September.

The memorial, family members of the victims said, will bring them yet another step closer to peace.

“There are no happier people, no more satisfied people, than us,” said Ankie Spitzer, whose husband, Andre, a fencing coach, was among those killed at the Munich Games.