1972 Munich Massacre Survivor Tells Tale at Chabad

Last week the Chabad Community center of Rockford in Northern Illinois, led by Rabbi Chesky and Miri Rothman, hosted an historic event, the first of its kind in size and spirit in recent memory – intended to bring back to the surface Rockford’s century-long observant Jewish community.

Mr. Dan Alon, survivor of the Munich Olympics massacre of 1972, spoke to an overflow crowd of nearly 150 people about his harrowing tale of survival.

Mr. Alon spoke in great detail of his concerns before the games and the terrifying experience of watching his good friends being held hostage and subsequently murdered.

Despite this, what was truly most inspiring was to hear Mr. Alon speak of his perseverance in overcoming these obstacles to build a successful business and fight in the IAF during the Yom Kippur war, which began less than a year after his miraculous survival in Munich.

Dan speaks openly about the hand of G-d and Divine providence, which caused him to inexplicably choose an apartment that the terrorists passed by twice without entering, allowing him and four others to escape.

He continued on to build a beautiful Jewish family, and to fulfill his mission of spreading Jewish pride all over the world.

Alon, proudly wearing a yarmulkah, moved everyone in attendance with his candid feelings and strong spirit, imbuing all in the room with an uplifting feeling of Am Yisroel Chai!

To conclude his talk, Dan shared with the audience about his positive and enjoyable visits with the Rebbe’s Shluchim around the globe.

Dan passionately shared that he had a Yechidus with the Rebbe during Tishrei of 1974.

During this Yechidus, right before the farbrengen which he took part in on Yud Gimmel Tishrei, he proudly says that the Rebbe gave him something and told him to carry it with him wherever he goes, which he indeed continues to do.

Rockford, IL, a metro area of 400,000 people 80 miles west of Chicago, is home to a very small and far flung, yet proud – and now more active, Jewish Community.

A big thank you goes to Mr. and Mrs. Dovid and Lifsha Weissman of Highland Park, IL for initiating and supporting this event and Chabad of Rockford’s year round activities, with their time, efforts, finances and friendship.

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3 Comments

  • :)

    Applause to Chesky and Miri Rothman, both humble and hard working shluchim!

  • Aviva

    Amazing! Anyone who knows the Chicago area can only be truly amazed at getting this type of turnout in Rockford! A big yasher koach to the Rothmans for all they are doing and to the Weissmans for supporting their efforts! Wishing everyone continued hatzlocha!

  • Rockford

    Who knew? Amazing that Jewish life is thriving in Rockford, Illinois! Yashar Koach to Rabbi Chesky and Miri Rothman, may you continue to see much success in your Slichus. Rockford is lucky to have you!

    An old camp friend