Key Takeaways
- A mother allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs—“F— the Jews, they should have all been eradicated”—during an under‑12s netball match in Maroubra, witnessed by a Jewish mother who had testified before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism.
- Police attended the scene, spoke to the 42‑year‑old woman, and issued a move‑on direction while investigations continue.
- Jewish community leaders condemned the remarks, emphasizing the lasting psychological impact on children and urging zero tolerance for racism in sport.
- Both Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club released statements denouncing antisemitism, with the latter offering unreserved apologies.
- Survey data from Maccabi Australia shows nearly half of its members have experienced or witnessed antisemitism in sport, indicating a broader, rising trend since October 7.
- Officials call for swift investigation, education, and reinforced policies to ensure children can participate in sport free from fear or vilification.
Incident Overview
On Saturday morning, just after 10 a.m., police were called to Heffron Park in Maroubra following reports that a woman made offensive comments during an under‑12s netball game between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club. Witnesses said the alleged remarks were made in plain sight of players, parents, and spectators, prompting an immediate response from law‑enforcement officers.
Details of the Alleged Slur
Several Maccabi parents who were present told The Sydney Morning Herald that a mother from the Saints team shouted, “F— the Jews,” followed by the statement, “they should have all been eradicated.” The slur was directed toward a Jewish mother who had recently given evidence to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The mother described the experience as shocking, noting that such emboldened rhetoric is increasingly audible in public spaces.
Reaction from Jewish Community Leaders
Alex Ryvchin, co‑chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, arrived at the courts shortly after the incident and condemned the abuse. He stressed that while the comment might seem trivial to some, it profoundly affects how Jewish children perceive their identity and place in society. Ryvchin warned that repeated exposure to such hatred erodes confidence and fuels internalized stigma among young athletes.
Police Response and Actions
Officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command confirmed they had spoken to a 42‑year‑old woman suspected of making the remarks. After interviewing her, police issued a move‑on direction, requiring her to leave the vicinity. Authorities emphasized that inquiries are ongoing and that further action may be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Statement from Maccabi Netball Club
Adam Dinte, president of Maccabi Netball Club, released a statement to club members labeling the incident “completely unacceptable.” Dinte affirmed that Maccabi NSW is liaising with NSW Police, the Community Security Group, and the Randwick Netball Association, and that a formal letter of complaint will be sent to the opposing club. He highlighted the right of Jewish players, parents, coaches, administrators, and supporters to participate in community sport safely, free from racism, abuse, intimidation, or vilification.
Impact on the Young Team
Dinte recounted a particularly distressing reaction from one of the Maccabi girls, who told her mother after the game that she wanted to remove her uniform because she did not wish to be identified as Jewish and did not feel safe. This anecdote underscores the immediate emotional toll the incident took on the children involved, prompting concerns about long‑term effects on their willingness to engage in sport.
Statement from Saints Netball Club
Saints Netball Club issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the alleged incident and unequivocally condemning antisemitism in all its forms. The club asserted that such remarks do not reflect its values, principles, or the standards of its members, players, or wider community. It offered its “sincerest and most unreserved apologies” to the Jewish community, pledging to cooperate with any investigations.
Broader Context: Royal Commission and Survey Findings
The alleged confrontation occurred just days after the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion began its hearings. Earlier in the week, former High Court judge Virginia Bell heard testimony from community members, including 86‑year‑old Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz, who described the current climate as “frightening” and warned that antisemitism is no longer a faint echo of the past.
David Goldman, general manager of Maccabi Australia, cited a recent survey of 670 Maccabi members revealing that nearly one in two respondents had either witnessed or experienced antisemitism in sport. He noted that the problem is not confined to Sydney or netball; similar spikes have been reported across other sporting codes since October 7, indicating a troubling national trend.
Leadership Voices from Maccabi Australia
Mandy Penkin, chief executive of Maccabi Australia, called the alleged incident “horrifying” but “unsurprising,” expressing disbelief that in Australia children should fear wearing Jewish colours at an under‑12s netball game. She described the recurrence of such incidents as heartbreaking and urged collective action to safeguard young athletes.
David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, echoed the call for a swift investigation and stressed that sport—especially children’s sport—must be a arena of respectful competition where all participants feel welcome regardless of background. He warned that tolerating racism undermines the very purpose of athletic participation.
Calls for Action and Ongoing Investigations
Community leaders and sporting officials are urging authorities to treat the incident with the seriousness it warrants, advocating for clear policies, mandatory education on antisemitism, and robust reporting mechanisms within clubs. Both Maccabi and Saints Netball Clubs have committed to internal reviews and to working with the Randwick Netball Association to prevent future occurrences. Police continue to gather evidence, and any further legal steps will depend on the findings of their investigation.
Conclusion
The antisemitic slur shouted at a children’s netball game in Maroubra has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted a growing concern about hatred infiltrating community sport in Australia. While police have taken preliminary steps and clubs have issued apologies and pledges of cooperation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, education, and zero‑tolerance policies to ensure that every child can play, learn, and thrive in an environment free from fear and vilification. The ongoing Royal Commission and survey data suggest that addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts across law‑evidence, sporting bodies, and the wider community to foster genuine inclusivity and respect.