A second nurse from Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in Sydney, Australia, has been charged following the release of a video in which threats were made against Israeli patients. The video, which surfaced in February 2025, featured two nurses making anti-Semitic remarks during an online conversation with Israeli influencer Max Veifer.
Details of the Incident
The video, recorded during a Chatroulette session, shows the nurses, identified as Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, making offensive comments towards Veifer upon learning of his Israeli nationality. The male nurse, Nadir, allegedly stated that he had sent many Israeli patients to “hell” at Bankstown Hospital, while the female nurse, Abu Lebdeh, expressed that she would refuse to treat Israeli patients and wished harm upon them.
Legal Actions Taken
Sarah Abu Lebdeh
On February 26, 2025, Abu Lebdeh was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Threatening violence to a group.
- Using a carriage service to threaten to kill.
- Using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.
These charges carry potential penalties of up to 22 years in prison. Abu Lebdeh was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on March 19, 2025.
Ahmad Rashad Nadir
On March 5, 2025, Nadir was arrested and charged with:
- Using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.
- Possession of a prohibited drug, specifically a vial of morphine found in his locker.
Nadir was also granted conditional bail and is due to appear in court on March 19, 2025.
Professional Repercussions
Both nurses have been deregistered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of New South Wales, effectively banning them from practicing nursing across Australia. Their employment with NSW Health has been terminated following internal investigations.
Broader Investigation
The New South Wales Police’s Strike Force Pearl, established to investigate incidents of anti-Semitism, has been actively involved in this case. To date, the task force has arrested 15 individuals and laid 78 charges related to anti-Semitic activities. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb praised the dedication of the detectives involved in these investigations.
Community and Official Responses
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various sectors:
- Government Officials: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have labeled the remarks as “vile” and “disgusting,” emphasizing that such behavior has no place in the healthcare system.
- Healthcare Authorities: NSW Health Minister Ryan Park assured the public that the individuals involved would not work in NSW Health again, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination.
- Jewish Community Leaders: Representatives from Jewish organizations have expressed outrage and concern over the incident, calling for stringent actions against those promoting hate speech.
The case has sparked a broader discussion on anti-Semitism in Australia, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat hate speech and discrimination in all forms.
