SWC Applauds German Minister of Interior for Demanding Israeli Team be Reinstated in Ice Hockey World Championship

January 15, 2024

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) commends Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Minister of Interior and Sports, for demanding that Israel's ice hockey team be reinstated in the sport’s World Championships. In a recent interview, Minister Faeser called for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to retract the exclusion of the Israeli team which the IIHF claimed it based on security concerns. Its decision garnered widespread criticism, both nationally and internationally. 

“The SWC commends Minister Faeser's unequivocal call to reinstate Israel in the tournament and to ensure the safety of all players from all nations. We reject any double standard in any realm of international institutions when it comes to the Jewish state. That smacks of anti-Semitism," stated Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Director of Global Social Action.

“The SWC also appreciates that other German officials, including Bundestag member Stephan Mayer and DEL (German Ice Hockey Federation), demands for swift action to correct an unacceptable move by the IIHF. We agree with Alon Meyer, head of Maccabi, that sports should not bow to the threat of terrorism."

"The SWC echoes Minister Faeser's call for transparency and the rejection of discrimination against Israel in sports, especially in the current times when Israel is attacked by a multitude of fronts by terrorists and anti-Semites. We stand united with those advocating for Israel's rightful participation in the Ice Hockey World Championships and all other international sports,” added Daniel Schuster, Senior Representative Europe of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. 

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Shawn Rodgers at srodgers@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).