Two nurses investigated for alleged antisemitic viral video

New South Wales Police have launched an investigation into a video in which two nurses from Sydney spoke about killing and refusing to treat Israeli patients.

The video of the two health workers, Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, has circulated widely on social media.

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The two nurses at Bankstown Hospital spoke with Israeli influencer Max Veifer on the anonyous online video chat platform, Chat Roulette.  

“Let’s say an Israeli God forbid. I might put them. I might treat them. I’ll kill them. You have no idea how many Israeli dog came to this hospital, and I sent it to Johanna. For real? Literally sent it to Johanna.”

It’s understood the pair were on night shift when the conversation was filmed and were wearing their NSW Health uniforms. 

The video was released by Veifer, with NSW Police now in contact with him to provide the full unedited clip. Strike Force Pearl is set up to investigate antisemitic hate crimes in NSW. 

Lebdeh and Nadir were swiftly stood down yesterday before the NSW Health Minister vowed the pair will never work in the state’s health system again.

The NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce was close to tears when speaking about the incident yesterday.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be standing here. With two staff of the NSW Health system having said such horrendous things,” Pearce said.

The Prime Minister said in parliament, “They should face the full force of the law”.

Police and NSW Health are also investigating whether the threats the pair made had any implications on the treatment of patients. 

They’ve seized CCTV footage and have been interviewing hospital staff. 

How have the two nurses responded?

A relative of the woman spoke to reporters outside her house saying she was inside having a panic attack, however a lawyer has since formerly issued no comment. 

A legal rep for Nadir says he has offered a sincere apology to Veifer and the wider Jewish community.      

It is the latest in a string of antisemitic incidents across the country, amid growing concern the racist behaviour is increasing within the community. 

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