For the second time in just over two weeks, an anti-Israel demonstration has interrupted a St. Louis Blues hockey game. This time, it happened in Nashville.
During the second period of Saturday’s game between the Blues and Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena, two people approached the glass near Section 104 and displayed a sign reading “Israel Kills,” according to Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean.
An usher removed the sign following the brief demonstration. The newspaper did not report whether the protesters themselves were removed from the arena.
The Nov. 7 incident came 16 days after anti-Israel activists displayed banners at Enterprise Center during an Oct. 22 Blues game against the Vegas Golden Knights. That demonstration prompted condemnation from ADL Heartland and Blues Chairman and Governor Tom Stillman.
Predators explain why sign was removed
In a statement reported by The Tennessean, the Predators said the sign violated Bridgestone Arena policies because of its size and the way it was displayed.
“In Smashville, we are committed to providing a welcoming environment where all guests can enjoy the game and support the Nashville Predators,” the team said.
The Predators cited the NHL Fan Code of Conduct, which calls for an inclusive, safe and respectful environment.
“The sign at issue did not comply with our arena policies and, due to its size and manner of display, obstructed other guests’ view of the game,” the statement continued. “Arena staff therefore asked the guests to remove the sign.”
The Predators’ response focused on arena policies and spectators’ ability to watch the game. It did not characterize the demonstration as antisemitic.
Same campaign, another arena
The demonstrations have been linked to Freedom Convoy USA, a campaign opposing American financial support for Israel.
According to The Tennessean, the campaign began with a convoy departing Los Angeles on Oct. 16, traveling toward Washington, D.C., with stops in several cities. Nashville was not among the originally announced destinations.
The newspaper reported that the Nashville demonstration was part of additional coordinated actions by the group.
Freedom Convoy organizers also claimed on Instagram to have staged similar demonstrations at Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals games. Those incidents have not been independently verified by the Jewish Light.
The group’s message has focused on American financial assistance to Israel, arguing that taxpayer dollars should instead support domestic needs.
Blues chairman condemned earlier demonstration
The original St. Louis demonstration featured an “Israel Kills” banner with a crossed-out Star of David surrounded by red markings resembling blood. Other signs displayed from a private box at Enterprise Center read “Free America From Israel.”
Following the Oct. 22 incident, Stillman issued a statement to the St. Louis Jewish Light condemning the demonstration.
“The St. Louis Blues organization — and I personally — condemn antisemitic rhetoric in all forms,” Stillman said. “The vile messages of hate briefly displayed at our game last Thursday were unfortunate and unforgivable and not remotely representative of our fans or our hometown.”
Stillman said arena staff and local law enforcement confiscated the prohibited banners and ejected the individuals responsible.
“Antisemitism has no place in our community and we will never allow it in our building,” he said.