Ohio is home to David Berger National Memorial, which will provide you with an unexpected and rewarding stop in your travels. David Berger was a phenomenal weightlifter while attending Tulane in the period from 1962 to 1966 and earned himself a weightlifting title from the NCAA. He also graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology and later a law degree from Columbia University. During the 1970s, he moved to Israel and worked his way into being chosen for the country’s Olympic team in 1972. Before this, he had also won a silver medal in the Asian Games. His victory and opportunity of a lifetime turned to tragedy after arriving for the games in Munich, Germany.

One evening at the games, David and his 10 other teammates were taken hostage on September 5, 1972. Members from a Palestinian organization called Black September were able to get into the athletes living quarters and entered the team’s rooms. Two of the athletes were killed at the apartments, while David and the remaining team members died at the airport after being shot. Their deaths resonated around the world as the entire affair was broadcasted over various news networks. It was a devastating blow to the Olympic games and quick reprisals were brought about by Israel. The memorial was established to his memory in those the other athletes were killed in this horrific incident.

The memorial that honors his life and those of the other athletes who were killed was completely restored by 2006. It is now located on the property of the Mandel Jewish Community Center that is located in Beachwood, Ohio. During the year, visitors can stroll through the community center grounds and see the memorial where it is positioned outside. If you are a collector of National Park Service cancellation stamps, you will be able to stamp your passport during the center’s regular operating hours.