Two nurses in Sydney have been suspended and are under police investigation after making threats on social media to harm Israeli patients.
Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, both employed at Bankstown Hospital, made the remarks during a TikTok video chat with Israeli influencer Max Veifer. In the video, Nadir stated, “Eventually, you’re going to get killed and go to [hell],” while Abu Lebdeh vowed to refuse treatment to Israeli patients and threatened to kill them.
The video, which quickly went viral, sparked widespread condemnation, including from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who labeled the comments as “driven by hate and disgusting.” NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed the nurses were immediately stood down, stating, “This behavior is vile, disgusting, and appalling.”
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce apologized to the Jewish community, expressing shock and disappointment. NSW Police’s antisemitism task force is investigating, with both nurses now cooperating with authorities.
Nadir, an Afghan immigrant who became an Australian citizen four years ago, later claimed his comments were a “misunderstanding and a big mistake,” while Abu Lebdeh’s family stated she regretted her remarks and was struggling with anxiety.
The incident has intensified concerns within Australia’s Jewish community, particularly amid a rise in antisemitic attacks following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. Jewish advocacy groups have voiced alarm over the threats, emphasizing the breach of trust by healthcare professionals.
NSW authorities have reassured Jewish Australians of their safety in hospitals and vowed that individuals with such views will not be employed in the healthcare system.
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