Incident at Children's Netball Game Sparks Antisemitism Investigation

NSW Police are investigating after a woman allegedly made offensive comments during an under-12 netball match between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club at Heffron Park, Maroubra, on May 9, 2026.

A 42-year-old woman was issued a move-on direction following the incident. Police inquiries remain ongoing.

What Happened

Multiple Maccabi parents reported that the woman directed a series of antisemitic remarks at a Jewish mother who had testified at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion earlier that week. The woman allegedly said, "F--- the Jews," followed by "they should have all been eradicated."

"The abuse occurred in plain sight—it was not muttered under the breath."
— Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive, Executive Council of Australian Jewry

Ryvchin warned that the incident affects how Jewish children view their identity and place in society.

Community Responses

Adam Dinte, president of Maccabi Netball Club, called the incident unacceptable. He stated that Maccabi NSW is communicating with police and the Community Security Group, and is filing a formal complaint with the Randwick Netball Association and the opposing club.

Disturbingly, Dinte said one girl told her mother she wanted to remove her uniform due to fear of being identified as Jewish.

Saints Netball Club issued a statement condemning antisemitism and offering apologies to the Jewish community, stating that the remarks do not reflect their values.

David Goldman, general manager of Maccabi Australia, emphasized that the incident is not isolated. He cited a survey of 670 Maccabi members in which nearly one in two had witnessed or experienced antisemitism in sport, noting a spike in incidents since October 7, 2023.

Mandy Penkin, CEO of Maccabi Australia, described the incident as horrifying but unsurprising. "Children should not fear abuse for wearing Jewish colors," she said.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, called for a swift investigation and said there should be no tolerance for racism and discrimination in children's sport.

Broader Context

The incident occurred in the same week as the first hearings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. During those hearings, 86-year-old Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz testified that the rise of antisemitism is "frightening."