JTA — The NHL has suspended Florida Panthers minority owner Doug Cifu indefinitely following a social media exchange with a fan that touched on the Israel-Hamas conflict and included allegations of antisemitism.
Cifu, who has served as vice chairman and part-owner of the reigning Stanley Cup champions since 2013, is Jewish and had five Israeli flag emojis in his X (formerly Twitter) bio before deactivating his account.
The incident occurred Sunday night during the Panthers’ playoff win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
A Toronto fan replied to one of Cifu’s posts with a provocative question: “Hey, what’s worse, using headshots to win a series or using starvation as a weapon to win a war?”
The “headshots” reference appeared to allude to multiple high hits by Panthers players in the series, including one that sidelined Toronto’s goalie.
The second part of the comment referred to Israel’s restriction on humanitarian aid entering Gaza following a March ceasefire breakdown. While aid organizations have warned of a looming famine, Israel maintains that sufficient supplies are currently available in the territory.
Cifu replied, “Actually being a whiny dope anti-semite is clearly worse. Loser.”
The fan shot back: “Not approving of using starvation as a weapon makes me a bigot?”
Then, Cifu replied again, this time referencing US President Donald Trump’s musings about making Canada the 51st US state: “Eat shit 51st state anti-semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever [sic] last Hamas rat is eliminated.”
“The NHL has concluded that Mr. Cifu’s X posts were unacceptable and inappropriate,” the league said. “As a result, Mr. Cifu has been suspended indefinitely from any involvement with the Club and the NHL. An in-person meeting will be scheduled with Mr. Cifu and the Commissioner at a date to be determined.”
“Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media,” he said. “My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Panthers organization and the Viola family. I sincerely apologize to all those affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to amend my actions.”
The NHL, which boasts a significant Canadian following and a large number of Canadian players, did not specify which of Doug Cifu’s remarks it considered “unacceptable and inappropriate.” The league is led by Commissioner Gary Bettman, who is Jewish and has played an active role in addressing antisemitism.
Cifu’s suspension has drawn criticism from some Jewish fans who view it as the silencing of a pro-Israel perspective. One Jewish hockey-centric account labeled the decision “outrageous,” while another viral post accused the NHL of “targeting” Cifu.
“This is a disgrace,” the account @Awesome_Jew_ wrote. “At a time when antisemitism is surging globally, the NHL has decided that Jews must stay silent — even when facing hate and defending themselves against genocidal terror.”
The conflict in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack with over 5,000 fighters into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians.
