Investigation Sparked by Anti-Israeli Remarks from Suspended Australian Nurses

In a disturbing incident that has fueled concerns about rising antisemitism, two Australian nurses were suspended after a video went viral showing them making threats against Israeli patients. The nurses, employed at Bankstown Hospital in New South Wales, were captured in a video where they expressed intent to harm Israeli individuals, with one nurse claiming to have already sent Israeli patients “to hell.”

The video, posted by Israeli social media influencer Max Veifer, showed the male nurse referring to Israeli patients as “s**t dogs” and stating that they would eventually “go to hell.” Meanwhile, the female nurse, wearing a hijab, declared that she would not treat Israeli patients and wished for them to die a “disgusting death.”

The video triggered outrage across Australia and Israel, with widespread condemnation from both Jewish organizations and political leaders. The New South Wales Police Force's antisemitism task force, Strike Force Pearl, is now investigating the incident. The police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing hospital staff, aiming to identify the specific location and circumstances of the exchange.

This incident has highlighted the alarming rise in antisemitism, not only in Australia but globally. The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) expressed concerns over the impact such incidents could have on the safety of Jewish patients in Australian hospitals. CEO Robert Gregory noted that some Jewish patients have even decided to conceal their identity when visiting hospitals, fearing mistreatment due to their nationality.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler emphasized that the nurses' comments were a direct reflection of a broader societal issue: the normalization of violent rhetoric against Jews and Israelis. He called on authorities to confront this growing wave of hatred, which has translated into violent attacks, including domestic terrorism labeled by law enforcement.

Hospital and Political Responses

In response to the nurses' conduct, the New South Wales Health Minister, Ryan Park, assured the public that the investigation was ongoing and that if the nurses were found guilty, they would be permanently removed from the healthcare system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it “sickening and shameful,” and pledged to cooperate with the state authorities to ensure justice is served.

While Bankstown Hospital has removed social media content that violated its policies—including an image of a pro-Palestinian activist with political messaging—the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all patients, regardless of their background or nationality.

Wider Concerns About Antisemitism in Australia

This incident has sparked concern over the growing climate of antisemitism in Australia, with Jewish organizations and Israeli officials calling for immediate action to combat hate.

Sharren Haskel, a member of the New Hope-United Right party, warned that antisemitism in Australia was escalating at an “alarming rate,” adding that the country was quickly becoming a hotspot for hatred against Jews.