More Events Could Be Cancelled After Hockey Championship Axed Due to Antisemitism Fears: Jewish Leader

The qualifying matches for the world championship in Melbourne was cancelled due to fears of antisemitic protests and threats against the Israeli team.

Members of the Australian Jewish community hold an Israeli flag during a memorial service in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 7, 2024, to mark the anniversary of Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Aussie sports lovers or events managers may feel the aftereffects of the decision to cancel a hockey world championship in Melbourne due to concerns about antisemitic activity, a Jewish group has warned.

The International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Division IIA World Championship will not be held in Australia in April because organisers fear the presence of the Israeli team might spur protest activity.