‘An error of judgement’ in Swans tribute
Swans Foundation chair Peter Ivany said the Swans have been incredibly supportive since October 7.
The Sydney Swans have apologised for removing references to the Jewish community from a pre-match tribute to the Bondi terror attack victims during the AFL’s Opening Round.
At the SCG on March 5, the Swans hosted Carlton where they recognised and honoured the victims and first responders involved in the December 14 terrorist attack. Representatives from several organisations were acknowledged on the field and family members of the victims were in attendance.
However, club CEO Matthew Pavlich did not explicitly mention the Jewish community in his address to the crowd.
Swans legend turned commentator Gerard Healy revealed “the script was changed” at the last minute, with the line “We stand with the Jewish community” altered.
The Swans released a statement on Monday afternoon apologising “for this omission and have taken full responsibility for it”.
“The Sydney Swans initiated a pre-game Bondi tribute to honour the lives lost in the terror attack and to stand with the Jewish community,” the statement read.
“As we stated the day after the attack, our football club stands with the Jewish community.
“There was no directive or instruction from the AFL to remove or change the reference to the Jewish community in the script.
“That script change was made within our club in a genuine effort to use inclusive language by referring to the ‘whole community’. Noting that the focus of the script was to recognise those people present on field on the night. This included members of the Jewish community, community heroes and first responders.
“We acknowledge that was an error of judgement and again we apologise.”
Federal Senator James Paterson called on the antisemitism Royal Commission to investigate the AFL and seek answers on who decided to remove the reference to the Jewish community.
Swans Foundation chair Peter Ivany said the Swans have been incredibly supportive since October 7.
“From my own point of view, as someone who’s Jewish, I’ve been completely embraced. And even after October 7, completely supported,” he said.
“The Swans are just an incredible and wonderful organisation. And it’s been all pervasive at all levels of the club.”