Two nurses from Bankstown Hospital, Ahmad “Rashad” Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, are facing scrutiny after being filmed during a Chatruletka conversation where they reportedly made antisemitic comments. The incident, highlighted in a video shared by Max Veifer on TikTok, has sparked an investigation by local police, who have already interviewed other staff and collected CCTV footage. Veifer, with over 100,000 followers, expressed his disbelief at the “crazy” level of antisemitism he encountered in Australia and has raised concerns about the potential views of other healthcare professionals.
Nadir publicly apologised through legal channels as both nurses are anticipated to turn themselves in soon. Following the video’s release, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the remarks, calling them “sickening and shameful,” assuring that those responsible would face legal repercussions. The video, which prompted significant public outcry, showcases the duo, dressed in NSW Health uniforms, allegedly making derogatory remarks after discovering Veifer’s Israeli background. Veifer emphasised the necessity of exposing such attitudes, wondering how widespread these sentiments may be among healthcare workers in Australia.