A Sydney woman was charged Sunday for allegedly hurling antisemitic abuse at a Jewish team during a Saturday girls’ netball game, according to the New South Wales Police and Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), Alex Ryvchin.
At the Maroubra netball game for girls aged 12 and under between the Saints Netball Club and Maccabi Netball Club, the 42-year-old woman said, according to Ryvchin, “F**k the Jews,” and “you should have all been eradicated.”
Ryvchin, who confronted the woman at the game, said that she had shouted about genocide and ostensibly claimed that Jews played the part of victims because her comments were reported to the police.
The parent was originally directed by officers to leave the site, but NSW Police announced on Sunday that charges had been leveled against her for use of offensive language near a public place. Netball Australia said in a statement Sunday that pending the investigation, the woman was provisionally suspended from attending and participating in any of the league’s activities.
“In our game, there is no place for hate speech, racism, or discrimination at any level. Where such behaviour occurs, we have processes in place to investigate it and to respond,” Netball Australia interim CEO Mark Falvo said in a Sunday statement.
"In our game, there is no place for hate speech, racism, or discrimination"
“The alleged antisemitic incident at Randwick yesterday is being investigated by Netball NSW and the local association with our full support and in accordance with Netball Australia’s Integrity Policy Framework.”
Randwick Netball Association said in a Saturday statement that it had contacted the police when they received reports of alleged antisemitic remarks, as it would “not tolerate antisemitic or discriminatory behavior in our community in any way.”
Maccabi Netball NSW president Adam Dinte said in a Saturday letter to the Jewish club’s families that they were taking the matter “extremely seriously” and were writing letters of complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and Saints Netball Club seeking that they take action in relation to those involved.
Dinte also urged families to refrain from posting about the incident on social media, and instead to share accounts and videos with the club.
“What took place was completely unacceptable. Jewish players, parents, coaches, administrators, and supporters have the right to participate in community sport safely and confidently, free from racism, abuse, intimidation, or vilification,” said Dinte.
“Incidents of this nature are distressing for those directly involved and for the wider community and are even more concerning given the current climate.”
The Saints Netball Club said on Facebook that it was aware that antisemitic comments were allegedly made against the Jewish club. The Saints said Saturday that antisemitism had no place in the sport, and that it would always stand with the Jewish community.
“The Saints Netball Club unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all its forms. Such remarks do not reflect the values, principles, or standards of our club, our members, our players, or our wider community,” said the club.
“The Saints Netball Club offers our sincerest and most unreserved apologies to the Jewish community, to those directly affected, and to anyone who encountered these comments or was affected by them.”
Netball NSW said that it was saddened by the alleged incident.
“Everyone in our netball community deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected. Antisemitism and discrimination of any kind have absolutely no place in our game and will not be tolerated.” Netball NSW said Sunday.
“Sport should bring people together, and we will continue working with our community to ensure netball remains a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.”