Nurses in alleged antisemitic video at Sydney hospital identified

Recently, two nurses at Bankstown Hospital have been suspended and identified after a video allegedly containing anti-Semitic remarks made online surfaced. The two nurses have been identified as Ahmad "Rashad" Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh. Their actions have prompted swift condemnation and investigation.

In an online conversation with Jewish internet personality Max Veifer, Nadir and Lebdeh allegedly boasted that they would kill Israeli patients if they had to treat them. In the video, Nadir identified himself as a doctor, and both were wearing uniforms from NSW Health. After learning that Veifer was from Israel, the two allegedly began making anti-Semitic remarks, escalating the severity of their misconduct.

Lebdeh allegedly stated that if patients from Israel came to the hospital, she would not treat them. She also claimed, "I won't treat them, I'll kill them." Nadir also claimed that he had killed Israeli patients. It is understood that Nadir left Afghanistan as a refugee and became an Australian citizen four years ago, further complicating the ethical implications of his alleged statements.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated that the two nurses have been "immediately suspended." He emphasized that the investigation process is underway and that no one involved should think they have a chance to work for NSW Health again. Minister Park received the video around 7:20 a.m. that day and quickly identified the individuals involved, demonstrating the urgency with which the matter is being addressed.

Minister Park strongly condemned the incident and apologized to the Jewish community in Australia. He assured that everyone should have the right to medical and hospital services in NSW without fear for their safety. NSW Police have confirmed that they are investigating the video, which allegedly contains anti-Semitic threats made by health workers. A task force has been established to investigate, and NSW Health is assisting the police with their investigation, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the serious allegations.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the video as "sickening and reprehensible" and said that those involved would face the full force of the law. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler also condemned the video, emphasizing that every health professional has an obligation to treat and care for all who come to them, and that refusing care to specific groups violates the fundamental principles of the healthcare system. He noted that the video was particularly sickening at a time of unprecedented rising anti-Semitism in Australia, underscoring the broader societal context of the incident.

Australian Medical Association NSW President Kathryn Austin said that hatred has no place in the health system. On behalf of NSW doctors, she made it clear that doctors, nurses and other health professionals are committed to providing the best possible care to every patient in NSW. She emphasized that hospitals must continue to be safe havens for all patients and that hatred or division will not be tolerated, reinforcing the commitment to ethical and equitable healthcare.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the video was "absolutely chilling and terrifying." He pointed out that the way these individuals openly and confidently discussed killing, torturing, and hoping for the death of Israelis was shocking, especially considering they were health professionals who were supposed to provide care and support. He believes that this is another wake-up call to all Australians, reminding them of the evil that exists in society and the need to understand and confront this ideology and its dangers to all Australians, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and action against prejudice and discrimination.