Canada beat Israel 4 matches to 0 to an empty stadium as protesters marched in downtown Halifax both Friday and Saturday.
More than 200 people, including several activist groups and supporters, filled the streets on Friday afternoon, calling for the matches to be canceled because of what they call Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Protesters also marched around noon on Saturday.
Tennis Canada closed the match to spectators, citing concerns that their could be protests inside the building. The city then pulled $50,000 in funding.
Our newsroom spoke to Em Bailey at the Garrison Grounds on Friday. She helped lead the march downtown toward City Hall.
She said they to send a message to city council with the marches. Although they withdrew funding, they initially supported the match. They also want the Davis Cup to cancel the game, and for Tennis Canada to start treating Israel like they treat Russia and Belarus.
Russia and Belarus were banned from the Davis Cup because of their war on Ukraine.
“We just want to see the same standard recognized by the impact of these war crimes that are being done by Russia. The war crimes that are being done by Israel, need to be treated equally, and we want to see Israel banned from the Davis Cup and all sporting events going forward,” said Bailey.
Winning the Davis Cup matches means Canada will move on to the first round of the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers, which happens in February.
Team Canada will learn their opponent after the Davis Cup Finals in November.
