Canada vs. Israel in Davis Cup: Match to Be Played Behind Closed Doors for Security Reasons
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – The Davis Cup World Group tie between Canada and Israel will be held indoors and without spectators this weekend. This decision, announced Tuesday by Tennis Canada, is due to security concerns. The organization explained in a statement that the measure was taken in consultation with the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Local authorities and national security agencies alerted to the increase in security concerns. This decision comes after more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, urged Tennis Canada to cancel the match due to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.Ziv added: “At the heart of this difficult decision is our responsibility to protect people, while ensuring that this Davis Cup encounter can take place. We were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to safeguard those involved and preserve the event itself.” The match, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, was originally going to be played at the Scotiabank Centre. Tennis Canada reported that fans who purchased tickets will receive a full refund within 30 days. “Approximately 1,500 tickets are being refunded per day,” said a Tennis Canada spokesperson. “As a non-profit organization, we are still assessing the financial impact of this decision, but it is clear that it will result in a significant loss of revenue for us.” The spokesperson added: “However, our priority has always been and continues to be the safety of people. Playing behind closed doors is the only responsible option that allows the match to take place, while eliminating this risk.” Furthermore, media will not be allowed entry to the venue, and all interviews with the players will be conducted virtually. Halifax Regional Police did not specify if there were threats directed at the Israeli team, but confirmed that officers will be present at the event. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) expressed its disappointment at the decision to close the event to the public. The CIJA declared: “Cheering on the Canadian team is part of what it means to be Canadian. However, a small group of extremists has hijacked the Davis Cup, silencing thousands of fans, many of whom traveled from afar, who simply wanted to show pride in their country.” “Tennis Canada’s decision was made to protect Canadians from serious threats. It is unacceptable that hatred, harassment, and intimidation have made it unsafe to support our athletes in our own country.”It’s very disappointing, but the safety of the athletes, fans and staff is the top priority.
Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada
