NSW Premier Chris Minns says there will be a comprehensive review into Bankstown Hospital after two NSW nurses allegedly threatened to kill and not treat Israeli patients.
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On February 13 NSW Premier Chris Minns told reporters an investigation into the incident would examine all patients of Bankstown hospital.
"It will be a comprehensive review," he said.
"I can't promise that every single healthcare worker doesn't harbour the same hate or the same views, but what I can say is that the evidence is that it's a small fraction, and it is my job to build public confidence in the system."
He described the video as "abject racism".
"We cannot have examples of naked racism from public servants exhibited on social media or anywhere," he said.
Nurses identified
The nurses have been identified as Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh from Bankstown hospital in Sydney's southwest.
In the video Ms Abu Lebdeh tells Jewish influencer Max Veifer: "It's Palestine's country, not your country you piece of s**t".
"When your time comes, I want you to remember my face so you can understand that you will die the most disgusting death," she said.
"You have no idea how many Israeli dogs came to this hospital", Mr Nadir said, before running his hand across his throat.
Asked what would happen if an Israeli patient came into the hospital, Ms Abu Lebdeh says: "I won't treat them, I will kill them."
"They made me sick to my stomach," he said.
"I have asked NSW Health to launch an urgent investigation to identify the individuals and they have also referred the matter to NSW Police."
"If the investigation concludes that this behaviour has occurred, these individuals will no longer be working for NSW Health.
NSW police commissioner Karen Webb said it was "a sad day for our country, it is unthinkable that we are confronted with, and forced to, investigate such an appalling incident.
"Detectives have managed to interview staff and establish areas within Bankstown Hospital where detectives believe the video was allegedly filmed."
Cmr Webb said police had seized CCTV footage which is currently under review.
Anthony Albanese said the "antisemitic video is disgusting" and he addressed parliament on the issue.
"The comments are vile," he said. "The footage is sickening and shameful. These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.
"These individuals have been stood down by NSW Authorities. They have rightly been referred to the NSW Police for criminal investigation. Individuals found to have committed criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of our laws."
The NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association general secretary Michael Whaites, said he was disgusted by the conduct of the two nurses.
"Health practitioners are bound by codes of conduct to care for all people, regardless of their circumstances," he said.
"There is no room for this type of behaviour in our healthcare systems.
"We are supporting our members at Bankstown Hospital who have been affected by the alleged actions of the two nurses involved."
Israeli deputy foreign affairs minister Sharren Haskel wrote on X that she supported an investigation.
"They are expressing criminal intent towards Jewish people, this must be stopped," she wrote. "Antisemitism is a disease that is spreading in Australia."
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
