Two NSW Health nurses have sparked outrage after they were filmed allegedly threatening to kill Israeli patients during their work shift at Bankstown Hospital, Sydney. Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh made these vile comments during a video chat, which was recorded and later went viral online. The video, posted by Israeli social media personality Max Veifer, displays them wearing NSW Health scrubs as they express their refusal to treat Israeli citizens.
Nadir, who introduced himself as a 'doctor,' stated, "You have no idea how many Israeli dog(s) came to this hospital and I send them to Jahannam,” referring to the Islamic equivalent of hell. Abu Lebdeh added, “I won’t treat them, I’ll kill them,” when asked how they would handle treating Israeli patients. The shocking remarks fueled public outrage and led to immediate disciplinary action.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park condemned the nurses' statements, asserting, “There is no place, no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever, ever take place.” He confirmed both nurses have been stood down and indicated they would not be permitted to work within the NSW healthcare system again. Park emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all patients, stating, “I don’t know what explanation any of these individuals could possibly give...”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in on the incident, calling the video “sickening and shameful,” reinforcing the principle of care without discrimination. He stated, “These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.” This incident has ignited broader discussions about antisemitism and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Both Nadir and Abu Lebdeh belong to the workforce at Bankstown Hospital, and there are growing concerns over how their views might affect the Jewish community’s trust within the health system. Following the release of the video, NSW Police officers from Strike Force Pearl, responsible for investigating antisemitic acts, have been involved to determine the appropriateness of charges against the nurses.
Nadir, who came to Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan after fleeing violence, has made headlines previously for his aspirations to work within the healthcare system and support his new community. There’s irony and disappointment within these revelations, considering his background. A past interview highlighted his struggles integrating and learning how to communicate effectively, with references to his participation in programs aimed at helping disadvantaged youths.
After the incident, Nadir expressed his intentions to apologize publicly, describing the situation as “a joke, a misunderstanding.” He stated, “I will use social media, anything, to apologise but I need to go and see the detectives first.” Despite his claims, the severity of his comments has not been overlooked, prompting reactions from Jewish organizations.
Members of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the health minister, yet emphasized the endurance of antisemitism. Haskel, the Deputy Israeli Foreign Minister, commented on the seriousness of the nurses’ statements, insisting immediate investigations should be conducted. Noting their comments reflected broader societal issues, she emphasized the need to address such behavior with stringent repercussions.
The community has rallied around the message of acceptance and the sanctity of care. Dr. Kathryn Austin from the Australian Medical Association NSW stated, “When people threaten to use healthcare as a weapon, this is incredibly dangerous.” Such comments have raised alarms about the health environment and have highlighted the necessity of ensuring full compliance with ethical standards throughout the system.
These events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of inclusion and respect within healthcare settings, illustrating the need for rigorous standards to govern how professionals engage with all individuals seeking medical assistance. There’s no room for hatred or discrimination, especially among those entrusted with the care of vulnerable populations.
Moving forward, the NSW Health authorities are committed to conducting thorough investigations to determine the full extent of the situation and protect the integrity of their health system. Ensuring safety for all patients, regardless of background, remains the utmost priority as community leaders call for accountability for this troubling behavior.