Detectives Lay Charges Against NSW Nurse Over Antisemitic Video
A second nurse has been charged over a disturbing antisemitic video in which threats were allegedly made to harm Jewish patients at a south-west Sydney hospital. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Australians calling for the maximum legal penalties to deter any further attacks of this nature.
Former Bankstown Hospital nurses Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, and Ahmad ‘Rashad’ Nadir, 27, were filmed in a shocking video that was widely circulated online after being shared by an Israel-based content creator. The video, which went viral, has been denounced as deeply offensive and dangerous.
Ahmad ‘Rashad’ Nadir was formally charged with a Commonwealth offence for using a carriage service to menace, harass, offend, or threaten. In addition, authorities discovered a prohibited drug inside his locker at Bankstown Hospital, leading to further charges.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed gratitude to Strike Force Pearl detectives for their relentless efforts in combating antisemitic crimes. “There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work going into these investigations. Detectives have faced significant challenges, including immense public expectation, but they remain committed to bringing these individuals to justice,” she stated.
This development follows last week’s charges against Sarah Abu Lebdeh, who is facing three Commonwealth offences in connection to the same video. Authorities were initially unable to question Nadir due to his hospitalisation for mental health concerns, but charges have now been laid despite these delays.
The investigation has been complex, as key witnesses, including the content creator who recorded the video, are based in Israel. The video was captured on Chatruletka, an online chat platform, further complicating the legal process.
The nurses, whose registrations were suspended immediately after the incident, have since issued apologies, initially dismissing their comments as a “joke.” However, the severity of their statements has led to widespread outrage, with many Australians demanding strict penalties to prevent similar acts of hatred in the future.
The public has overwhelmingly condemned the video, insisting that such antisemitic rhetoric has no place in Australia. Many believe that only the harshest punishment will send a clear message that threats against any community will not be tolerated. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system with intense scrutiny as authorities work to ensure accountability and justice.
