1996 Summer Olympics torch relay towards the northern end of the stadium. The identity of the final torchbearer had been kept secret and was only revealed when Muhammad Ali appeared at the top of the ramp. Ali, who had won gold at the 1960 Games in Rome and later developed Parkinson's disease, lit a mechanical torch which then travelled along a wire, lighting the cauldron at the top of a tower. His appearance has been referred to as being one of the most inspiring, poignant, and emotional moments in Olympic history. 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay The 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from
Torch-lighting Ceremony (Israel) Minister was allowed to give a short speech in honor of Israel's 70th anniversary and even kindle a torch together with the Speaker. Eventually, Prime Minister Netanyahu broke the deal and spoke for 14 minutes which was almost twice as much as what was usually given to the Speaker. Torch-lighting Ceremony (Israel) Torch-lighting ceremony () is the official ceremony that marks the closure of the Yom Hazikaron celebrations and the opening of the Independence Day celebrations in Israel. The Ceremony is held annually at the burial site of Theodor Herzl, the Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, and is officiated by the