‘Unnecessary alarm’: Ice hockey cancellation sends wrong signal, Police Minister says
The cancellation of an international sporting event has sent ‘unnecessary alarm’ through one of Australia’s most maligned communities, a minister says.
The Victorian Police Minister says the cancellation of an international sporting event has caused unnecessary alarm among Jewish Australians.
Ice Hockey Australia cancelled a tournament set to be played in Melbourne in April, which would have included Israel competing against five other nations in a division of the men’s world championships.
Ice Hockey Australia cancelled the tournament because of “safety and security” concerns in a climate of increased anti-Semitism and the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue in December.
Victoria Police met with Ice Hockey Australia but did not tell the organisers to cancel the tournament.
On Thursday, Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines wrote to Ice Hockey Australia president Ryan O’Handley.
“In the absence of specific advice that there was a threat to your event, I believe your actions have caused unnecessary alarm in the Jewish community,” the Minister writes in a letter seen by NewsWire.
“While we understand and agree with concerns about a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across Australia, it is not acceptable to throw in the towel just because people might protest the participation of Israeli athletes – or indeed, athletes of any background – at your event,” he said.
“This sends the wrong message about who we are as a multicultural and tolerant society in Victoria.
“If someone is under attack because of their background or religion, we stand together with them.”
Ice Hockey Australia did not respond directly to the minister’s comments.
However, the organisation told NewsWire the decision to cancel was made after meeting with police and the host venues.
“The decision was primarily made to ensure the safety and security of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and other participants. IHA does not shy away from making this decision with safety at the forefront.
“IHA is not in a position to comment on global issues outside the sport of ice hockey and did not intend for an internal email to be shared broadly,” a spokesperson said, citing a widely-reported internal email.
“IHA will be making no more formal statements until the International Ice Hockey Federation confirms the new host, so that our exciting sport and worldwide participants can continue competing in the sport they love.”
The Israeli and Australian men’s sides were scheduled to play against Belgium, Serbia, Netherlands and the UAE in April and May at a 1000-seat stadium in Docklands in Melbourne.
The tournament would give one of those countries a ticket to step up to the next division of international competition.
Other lower-ranked sides are set to play concurrent round robin tournaments in six countries around the world, including New Zealand.
The 16 top-ranked men’s sides are scheduled to face off in Sweden and Denmark later in May.
I’m absolutely appalled by yet another antisemitic attack on our community.
— Allegra Spender (@spenderallegra) January 6, 2025
Antisemitic hate has no place in our society.
We will be meeting with the NSW Police shortly to discuss this incident and what more needs to be done to protect Wentworth’s Jewish community. pic.twitter.com/QdX9cBmEMW
Ice Hockey Australia began meeting with Victoria Police in July to discuss concerns surrounding the Israeli team’s participation.
Multiple incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and protest signs across the country have been prosecuted by police since then.
Then, in December, an ultra-Orthodox Melbourne synagogue was firebombed. The attack is being treated as a terrorist act and no arrests have been made.
A leaked email shows Ice Hockey Australia decided after the firebombing to cancel the Melbourne tournament.
Victoria Police say the decision to cancel was a decision for Ice Hockey Australia.
The Police Minister says protesters do not determine what events get held in Victoria.
In the letter, he points to scenes outside a global weapons expo in Melbourne – which became violent and chaotic and multiple protesters were charged – as evidence Victoria Police take “all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the participants”.
“Victoria Police do an incredible job protecting the Victorian community and ensuring that all events in our State can be held safely – including ensuring the safety of participants at rallies and protest events,” Mr Carbines said.
“I am both grateful and proud for the work police officers undertake, at all hours and in all weather, to keep Victorians safe.”
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