Major sporting event axed in Melbourne over anti-Israel concerns

An international sporting event in Melbourne has been cancelled over fears protests or violence could erupt due to the presence of an Israeli team.

A major international sporting series has been cancelled by Australian organisers because of the prospect of protests when the Israeli team competes.

International Ice Hockey Federation men’s world championship matches were scheduled to be played in Melbourne during April and May.

However, against a backdrop of persistent pro-Palestinian protests, ongoing anti-Israel sentiment and escalating anti-Semitic attacks – the latter particularly in Melbourne – Ice Hockey Australia has pulled the pin.

The move comes after organisers conferred with police.

“Victoria Police spoke with Ice Hockey Australia and provided feedback about current protest activity,” a police spokesperson said.

Melbourne was set to host six national men’s ice hockey teams in April, including the Israeli side. Picture: Jason Mowry / Getty Images

“Any decision to cancel the event was one for Ice Hockey Australia.”

The divisional matches of the world championships were set to run concurrently with other divisional matches hosted in Denmark and Sweden, Estonia, New Zealand, Mexico and Armenia.

Melbourne was to host the national teams of Australia, Belgium, Israel, the Netherlands, Serbia and the UAE. The matches have not yet been rescheduled.

Ice Hockey Australia said in a statement the decision was made after “significant consultation” with “varied and relevant important stakeholders” including the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed in December. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Melbourne has hosted weekly pro-Palestine protests through the CBD since October 7, which have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

But last month a synagogue was firebombed. The ultra-Orthodox temple in the suburb of Ripponlea was attacked in the early hours of December 6, and three people were injured. The synagogue was destroyed, no arrests have been made and terrorism police are investigating.

A renowned LA-based Jewish human rights organisation issued a warning for Jews to reconsider non-essential travel to Australia after the attack.

Jewish groups said they were shocked but expected an attack such as the one at Ripponlea, with what they describe as increasing anti-Semitism in Australia since October 7, 2023.

Originally published as Major sporting event axed in Melbourne over anti-Israel concerns