Two Sydney nurses have been arrested after a video surfaced online in which they allegedly threatened to deny treatment—or even kill—Israeli patients.
Ahmad Rashad Nadir, 27, and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, were recorded wearing their hospital uniforms while engaging in a conversation on the chat platform Chatruletka with Israeli content creator Max Veifer. Upon learning Veifer was from Israel, one of the nurses allegedly said, “I won’t treat them, I’ll kill them,” while the other added, “Eventually, you’re going to get killed and you’re going to go to (hell).”
The video sparked widespread outrage, leading to an investigation. Both nurses, who worked at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, were swiftly suspended. A review of patient records found no evidence that they had harmed any patients.
Authorities arrested Lebdeh in February, charging her with federal offenses, including threatening violence against a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace and harass—charges carrying a potential 22-year prison sentence. Nadir was arrested on Tuesday and faces charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend, along with possession of a prohibited drug.
The Australian health practitioner watchdog has barred both from working in the medical field nationwide.
Antisemitic threats amid rising hate crimes
The arrests come amid a surge in antisemitic incidents in Australia, linked to escalating tensions over the Israel-Gaza war. Jewish-owned buildings, synagogues, and cars have been vandalized, and police recently uncovered a caravan in Sydney carrying explosives and a list of Jewish targets.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that Strike Force Pearl, an antisemitism task force, has so far arrested 15 individuals and laid 78 charges.
“I must commend the work Strike Force Pearl detectives are doing to investigate, charge, and put these individuals before the courts,” Webb said.
The case has intensified debates over professional ethics in healthcare, online hate speech, and the broader societal impact of global conflicts.