Two Australian nurses have been suspended from their jobs after a disturbing video surfaced online, showing them making death threats against Israeli patients. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, features the nurses, identified as Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, engaging in an online chat with an Israeli influencer, Max Veifer. During the conversation, the nurses made shocking comments, with one of them claiming to have sent Israeli patients to "hell" and the other stating that she would refuse to treat and instead kill Israeli patients who came to the hospital.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from medical professionals, community leaders, and politicians. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler has described the comments as "sickening" and emphasized that they have no place in the country's healthcare system. The nurses' registrations have been suspended by the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Council, and they are now facing a national ban from working as nurses in any context.
An investigation is underway, with police examining an unedited version of the video to determine whether to lay charges over what is being treated as a possible hate crime. The incident has also led to urgent audits of patient care and a review of the hospital's policies and procedures to ensure that patients from all backgrounds feel safe and supported.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has condemned the nurses' comments, stating that they are "abhorrent" and "unacceptable." The organization has emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, patient-centered care to all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting tolerance, respect, and inclusivity in all aspects of society, including healthcare. It also highlights the need for healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, providing care that is free from bias and discrimination ¹.