A children's netball match in Sydney was marred on Saturday after a mother allegedly directed antisemitic abuse at Jewish players, causing distress among participants and spectators.
Incident at Heffron Park
Police were summoned to Heffron Park in Maroubra, located in the city's eastern suburbs, shortly after 10am local time. The under-12s fixture between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club was underway when the alleged incident occurred.
Several parents affiliated with the Maccabi team informed the Sydney Morning Herald that a mother from the opposing Saints team reportedly uttered, 'F*** the Jews,' and stated that 'they should have all been eradicated.'
Community Response
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin arrived promptly at the scene. He asserted that the abuse was delivered openly and was not a subdued remark. 'This sort of thing seems trivial, but it has an impact,' Mr Ryvchin told the publication. 'It's not just words; it affects how [Jewish children] view themselves, their Jewish identity and their place in society.'
Police engaged with a 42-year-old woman and issued her a move-on direction, though no further legal action was immediately reported.
Club Statements
Adam Dinte, President of Maccabi Netball Club, released a statement expressing deep concern over the incident. 'We are aware of a deeply distressing antisemitic incident that occurred at a netball game today involving Jewish players and families from our club. We are taking this matter extremely seriously,' he said.
He added that the club is 'writing a formal letter of complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and the opposing club.' Mr Dinte emphasised that '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.'
Saints Netball Club also issued a statement, declaring that it 'unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all its forms.' The statement continued: 'Such remarks do not reflect the values, principles or standards of our club, our members, our players or our wider community. The Saints Netball Club offers our sincerest and most unreserved apologies to the Jewish community.'
Daily Mail has contacted Randwick Netball Association for comment regarding the incident.
