Two Sydney nurses have been swiftly suspended after a video surfaced of them making antisemitic threats against an Israeli man and boasting about harming Jewish patients under their care. The incident unfolded during a video call on Chatrouletka, where the nurses, identified as Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, engaged in a conversation with Israeli influencer Max Veifer.
Upon learning Veifer's nationality, Lebdeh made derogatory remarks about Israel and threatened him with a gruesome death. Nadir joined in, adding that they would refuse to treat Veifer and would harm him if he were admitted to their hospital. He even made a throat-slitting gesture while referencing Israelis who had been patients there.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of New South Wales (NSW) immediately suspended the nurses' registrations following the incident. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care issued a strong condemnation of their actions, emphasizing the fundamental right of all Australians to feel safe while receiving medical care.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the matter has been referred to the NSW Police for a criminal investigation. He assured the public that individuals engaging in criminal antisemitic acts would face the full force of the law. Australia recently enacted a hate crimes bill with mandatory minimum sentences for such offenses.
While NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated there was no evidence the nurses had harmed patients, the investigation remains ongoing. Lebdeh's family reportedly claimed she was provoked and expressed remorse, but Israeli media outlets met these claims with skepticism.
Sharren Haskel, Israel's deputy minister of foreign affairs, praised Australian officials for their prompt response and called for zero tolerance for such displays of racism and antisemitism.
This incident comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia, including the recent firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue, which is being investigated as a potential terrorist attack.
