Two nurses at Bankstown Hospital have been in the spotlight after a video surfaced online showing them allegedly making antisemitic remarks. The two nurses, Ahmad “Rashad” Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, are expected to speak to the police following the emergence of the controversial video. In the video, Nadir claims to be a doctor, and both individuals can be seen donning NSW Health uniforms. The conversation took a dark turn when they engaged with Jewish influencer Max Veifer, insinuating that they would harm Israeli patients if given the chance. Lebdeh explicitly stated that she would refuse to treat patients from Israel, even going as far as saying, “I won’t treat them, I’ll kill them.” Nadir also allegedly made disturbing claims about harming Israeli patients.
The NSW Police are actively investigating the video, with Commissioner Karen Webb expressing deep concern over the incident and emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. The swift reporting of the incident by NSW Health has aided detectives in their investigation, leading to the seizure of CCTV footage and the identification of the room where the video was filmed. Lawyer Mohamad Sakr issued a public apology on Nadir’s behalf, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and expressing remorse on behalf of his client. Sakr highlighted Nadir’s lack of prior criminal history and his current emotional state, urging him to seek treatment.
Nadir, who hails from Afghanistan and became an Australian citizen four years ago, has vowed to issue a public apology to the Jewish community for the offensive video. He has attributed the incident to a misunderstanding, emphasizing his intention to make amends. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park wasted no time in taking action, promptly standing down the two nurses and initiating an investigation to ensure such behavior is not tolerated within the healthcare system. Park condemned the video as “disgusting” and offered a sincere apology to the Jewish community, assuring them of continued high-quality care in hospitals.
The video, which was initially posted on TikTok by Veifer, sparked a nationwide outcry, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler denouncing the nurses’ actions. Albanese described the video as “sickening and shameful,” promising that those involved would face legal consequences. Butler echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of providing care to all patients regardless of background or ethnicity. The Australian Medical Association and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry also condemned the video, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and compassion in the healthcare system.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of antisemitism and the importance of confronting such hateful ideologies. It underscores the critical role that healthcare professionals play in upholding ethical standards and providing care to all patients without discrimination. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions and work towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities continue to investigate the matter.