Australia cancels ice hockey tournament, reportedly over threats to Israeli team

Australia’s ice hockey federation says it has canceled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision is linked to the participation of the Israeli national team.

Multiple local media outlets cite an internal email from Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) saying it cannot hold the tournament due to safety and security concerns over Israel’s attendance.

IHA says in a statement it has decided to cancel the event, due to take place in Melbourne in April, after consultation with local police and the participating venues.

The statement does not mention Israel, with the body saying it cannot comment on “global issues outside the sport.”

“The decision was primarily made to ensure the safety and security of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and other participants,” the statement says. “IHA does not shy away from making this decision with safety at the forefront.”

The IIHF does not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The cancelation follows a spate of antisemitic attacks in recent months, including graffiti daubed yesterday on a car in Sydney.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the cancelation is “unfortunate,” but that the government has taken sufficient action to protect Jewish people in Australia.

“This is a decision made by Ice Hockey Australia,” he says in an interview on Channel Nine. “We’re addressing in every single way possible these issues because we understand that [antisemitism] is very hurtful for the Jewish community.”