Franklin Lakes—Israeli Olympic Fencer Dan Alon will speak about his terrifying ordeal at the 1972 Munich Olympics on March 22, 6:00 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center, 375 Pulis Ave. Franklin Lakes. Alon, the author of Munich Memoir: Dan Alon’s Untold Story of Survival, is a highly acclaimed speaker who has presented to sold-out audiences on five continents.
Dan Alon’s fencing career began at age 12, continued through his teen years and peaked at age 27 when he joined the Israeli fencing team at the Olympic Games. “The Olympics are a symbol of freedom and peace between nations,” says Alon. He recalls marching into the Olympic stadium in Munich under the Israeli flag. “I was in heaven. It was the most beautiful day of my life.”
His world was shattered five days later on September 5th when Black September terrorists invaded the Olympic village apartments in which he and his 15 teammates and coaches were staying. Eleven were murdered in cold blood; only five survived.
In frank and often emotional terms, Alon shares his journey—from the security concerns prior to the Games to the harrowing attack and the long healing process. To this day he remains active in the ongoing, and as of yet unsuccessful campaign, to have his slain teammates memory honored at the Olympic games every four years.
Following his return to Israel, Alon began a career in business and became a manager-director at a plastics company. He met his wife, Adele—a native of Capetown, South Africa—while she was hitchhiking in Israel. Now 68, he lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. The couple has three children.
Admission is $20 prepaid / $25 at the door / $180 sponsor. Tickets may be purchased online at www.chabadplace.org or by calling 201-848-0449. Alon’s Autographed book will be available at the event for purchase.
