Ice Hockey Australia has decided not to go ahead with an international championship in Melbourne after discussions with police.
In October, Australia’s local organising body announced the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s Division IIA World Championships would be held on “home ice” amid concerns of antisemitic activity.
International ice hockey teams are organised in five main divisions with promotion and relegation between them.
Set to be held in April and May, the Melbourne-based World Championships was supposed to host players from Israel, Belgium, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and Serbia—until talks with police led to uncertainty.
A media representative from the Crime, Counter Terrorism, and Intelligence and Covert Support Commands unit of Victoria Police told The Epoch Times officers had consulted with the event’s organisers.
“Victoria Police spoke with Ice Hockey Australia and provided feedback about current protest activity,” the spokesperson said.
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“Any decision to cancel the event was one for Ice Hockey Australia.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed sentiments that the decision was one for the sporting organisation to make, as he condemned any form of racism in the nation.
“They’re not a body I’m familiar with and it’s not a sport I’m familiar with, like most Australians I think,” he told media on Jan. 7.
“But we should be opposed as a country to any form of racism, but particularly to antisemitism and we are a tolerant country.
“They have got to have respect for every person, regardless of their faith and regardless of their ethnicity.”
Albanese labelled the cancellation an “unfortunate decision.”
Antisemitic incidents in Australia have drawn attention internationally.
Damage is seen following a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 9, 2024. AAP Image/Yumi Rosenbaum
‘Chaos and Lawlessness in Melbourne’
Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory said poor political leadership was letting Australians, and Victorians down.
“Melburnians should be furious that they have lost an international sporting event due to concerns over extremist anti-Israel protests,” he told The Epoch Times.
“This shows the extent of chaos and lawlessness in Melbourne these days.
Gregory said there was uncertainty around safety which was starting to affect everyone.
“The lack of leadership from the federal and Victorian government as violent, anti-Israel protesters have run amok has led to a climate of fear, where event hosts don’t feel they can guarantee the safety of participants,” he said.
“Twenty-twenty-five must be the year when Australians reclaim their streets from the violent extremists who have forced their anti-Israel hatred on us all.”
The office of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Ice Hockey Australia were contacted for comment.
