NSW Nurses Suspended for Antisemitic Video, Sparking Outrage and Investigation
February 12, 2025
The video has raised significant concerns within the Jewish community, which numbers approximately 115,000 in Australia, about their safety and treatment in healthcare settings.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park assured the Jewish community that they would continue to receive high-quality care in hospitals, denouncing the nurses' views as unacceptable.
Two nurses from a New South Wales hospital have been identified and stood down after making threatening comments about Israeli patients in a social media video.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video as 'sickening and shameful,' describing the nurses' comments as 'vile' and 'disgusting,' emphasizing that antisemitic behavior has no place in Australia's health system.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of rising antisemitic attacks and rhetoric in Australia, particularly since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023.
Health Secretary Susan Pearce expressed shock and offered sincere apologies to the Jewish community, stating that such sentiments were unimaginable from health workers.
The police are actively investigating the incident following widespread public outcry, with NSW Police interviewing hospital staff and reviewing CCTV footage.
The incident has sparked significant political backlash, with key figures, including Health Minister Park and the Australian Medical Association's President Kathryn Austin, condemning the nurses' actions.
While Nadir, one of the nurses involved, claimed the video was meant as a bad joke, this explanation has done little to alleviate community fears about potential mistreatment in healthcare.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident continues to raise alarms about professional conduct in healthcare settings and the need for a safe environment for all patients.
Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin highlighted a concerning trend of extremism among medical professionals towards the Jewish community, indicating that this issue reflects a broader societal problem.
In response to the incident and rising antisemitism, Premier Chris Minns announced plans to introduce new laws to ban racially motivated hate speech.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Feb 12, 2025
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