A nurse from Sydney, Sarah Abu Lebdeh, has been arrested and charged following the release of a video featuring her and fellow nurse Ahmad Rashad Nadir. The video, created by Israeli influencer Max Veifer and released online earlier this month, received significant attention due to the nurses allegedly making antisemitic remarks while in their uniforms at Bankstown Hospital.
In the footage, it is claimed that the pair made disturbing comments about harming Israeli patients. Authorities moved quickly, and Lebdeh was taken into custody at Sutherland Police Station, facing three serious charges under Commonwealth law. These include threats of violence and using an electronic communication service to intimidate or threaten.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the charges as a crucial step forward in an ongoing investigation. The police have indicated that extensive legal advice was sought before laying the charges.
As of now, Lebdeh has been released on bail, with a court appearance scheduled for March 19. Meanwhile, Nadir has not faced any charges but has expressed regret through his legal representative. Both healthcare professionals have been suspended from their roles and had their registrations revoked, barring them from working in the Australian health system while investigations continue.