Two nurses from Australia have been suspended after a video surfaced showing them making threats against Israeli patients and claiming they would refuse to treat them. Both individuals, employed at a hospital in Sydney, are currently under investigation by local authorities.
New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Ryan Park assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to ensure that no patients were harmed. An initial review of hospital records did not reveal any unusual incidents. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video, calling it “sickening and shameful,” especially following Australia’s recent implementation of stricter laws against hate crimes due to a rise in antisemitic incidents.
NSW Police have indicated that they believe they have identified the individuals involved in the video. The Health Minister confirmed that both nurses had been immediately suspended and that they would never be allowed to work in the NSW health system again.
The video, which was shared on TikTok by Israeli content creator Max Veifer, was recorded on Chatruletka, an anonymous video chat platform. In the footage, a man, who identifies as a doctor, makes derogatory comments about Israelis, saying he sends them to Jahannam, a term referring to hell in Islamic tradition, and follows up with a throat-slitting gesture. A woman then appears on the screen, stating that Mr. Veifer’s “time will come,” claiming that she would refuse to treat Israelis and threatening harm.
The video has been edited and includes emojis and censored comments, but its authenticity is not being questioned by authorities. Albanese expressed his outrage, calling the comments “disgusting” and “vile,” emphasizing that such hateful actions have no place in Australia’s health system or society. Park also issued an apology to the Jewish community, reaffirming that they could still expect high-quality care in NSW.
The incident comes amid a series of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including arson and graffiti targeting Jewish communities, as well as the discovery of explosives in NSW. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated that the video was a stark reminder of the ongoing presence of hate in the country.