Nurse charged over video that boasted about harming Israeli patients

A nurse in Sydney has been suspended and now faces police charges for allegedly threatening Israeli patients in a video. The nurse, identified as Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, is facing three charges: threatening a group with violence, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace or offend. These charges reflect the severity of the alleged threats and the potential harm they could cause.

Ms. Abu Lebdeh and another man were both suspended after a video surfaced that was filmed on an anonymous online platform that randomly pairs people for chats. The video quickly spread online after it was posted, sparking public outrage. It was allegedly filmed at Bankstown Hospital, raising concerns about patient safety and professional conduct within the healthcare facility.

Authorities have stated that there is "no evidence" that either individual actually harmed any patients. In the video, Ms. Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir allegedly boasted about refusing treatment to Israeli patients, even threatening to kill them and claiming they would go to hell. The video was released by an Israeli content creator, highlighting the international reach and impact of the incident.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the charges were a significant breakthrough in this complex investigation. “Detectives are to be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” she said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also described the video as "repugnant" and "despicable," underscoring the government's condemnation of the alleged actions.

Ms. Abu Lebdeh has been granted bail and is due to return to court on March 19. Mr. Nadir has not yet been charged. Earlier this month, Australia passed tougher hate crime laws following a series of unrelated anti-Semitic attacks. In recent months, there have been multiple arson and graffiti attacks on Jewish community homes, cars, and synagogues across Australia. In January, a motorhome filled with power gel explosives was found in New South Wales, with police warning it could have caused a "mass casualty event," along with a document containing anti-Semitic sentiments and a list of Sydney Jewish targets.