LONDON — The widows of two Israeli Olympians killed by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich Olympics are urging spectators to stage a silent protest during Friday's opening ceremony for the London Games.

Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano are demanding that London organizers recognize their husbands' deaths and honor them at Olympic Stadium 40 years after the slayings.

The two women have asked audience members to stand in silence when International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge rises to speak at Friday's ceremony. Since Olympic organizers have rejected a moment of silence for the 11 slain Israeli athletes and coaches, the widows say the silent protest will be a victory in their fight to have the men remembered at the proper place and time.