NSW Nurses Under Fire for Alleged Antisemitic Video
This story is making waves in Sydney and beyond—two NSW Health nurses have been caught up in a serious scandal over an alleged antisemitic video. Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, both working at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, were filmed making disturbing remarks about Israeli patients. The video, reportedly recorded during a night shift, surfaced online and has led to their immediate suspension while investigations unfold.
In the footage, Abu Lebdeh allegedly makes violent threats, saying she would refuse to treat Israeli patients and even harm them. Nadir, on the other hand, is accused of boasting about sending Israeli patients to “Jahannam,” an Islamic term for the underworld. Understandably, the backlash has been swift. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has condemned the video as "appalling," while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “sickening and shameful.”
NSW Health wasted no time in taking action, standing down both nurses and making it clear they would never work for the department again. Detectives have seized CCTV footage from the hospital, spoken with staff, and are now reviewing the evidence. Despite the severity of the allegations, neither Nadir nor Abu Lebdeh has been charged with a crime—at least, not yet.
Also Read:- The Incredible Journey of a Billion Roses for Valentine’s Day
- Marc Fogel Released in Prisoner Swap with Russia
The case has sparked widespread debate. Nadir’s lawyer says his client has issued a "sincere apology" and insists he’s of good character. Meanwhile, Abu Lebdeh’s family claims she was "set up" and that the video was edited to make her look bad. Her brother insists she was provoked and that she snapped under pressure, while others point out that she lost dozens of family members in Palestine, potentially fueling her emotional response.
But here’s the thing—regardless of any context, threats of violence and discrimination have no place in healthcare. Hospitals should be a safe space, free from hatred or political bias. This isn’t just about individual nurses—it’s about public trust in our healthcare system. The NSW government has already launched an internal review to ensure no patients were actually mistreated based on their nationality. So far, there’s no evidence that this happened, but the investigation is ongoing.
On the international stage, Israeli officials have weighed in, calling for the nurses to be fired and prosecuted. The Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister labeled the incident an example of growing antisemitism in Australia and stressed that such threats should carry legal consequences. The outrage isn’t just coming from Israel—local Jewish organizations in Australia have also expressed their deep concern, warning that such rhetoric fuels broader antisemitic violence.
As the controversy rages on, one thing is clear—this story isn’t over. NSW Police are continuing their investigation, and there’s a real possibility that charges could be laid. Meanwhile, the public is watching closely, as this case could set a major precedent for how hate speech and professional conduct in healthcare are handled in Australia.
We’ll keep following this as it unfolds, but for now, it’s a sobering reminder of how dangerous words can be—especially when they come from those entrusted with saving lives.
Read More:
0 Comments