Sydney nurses suspended for threatening to kill Israeli patients
What's the story
Two nurses from a Sydney hospital have been suspended after they appeared in an antisemitic social media video. The video, which has sparked widespread condemnation, was highlighted by Israeli content creator Max Veifer. In the footage, a man wearing scrubs with the NSW Health insignia spews hatred toward Israelis while a woman beside him threatens to kill Israeli patients. The man also claims he has sent many Israelis "to Jahannam."
Details
Contents of video
In the video, Veifer begins a conversation with the man wearing scrubs who identifies himself as a doctor. When Veifer identifies himself as from Israel, the man says, "I'm going to be really honest with you... I'm so upset you're Israeli. Eventually, you're going to get killed and go to Jahannam [hell]." When asked why he would be killed, the woman replied, "It's Palestine's country, not your country."
Investigation
Health Minister condemns nurses' actions, launches investigation
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has condemned the nurses' behavior as "vile, disgusting and appalling." He confirmed that the nurses from Bankstown Hospital have been immediately suspended. Park also announced an ongoing investigation into the incident, emphasizing that such views are unacceptable in both the health system and society. He extended his apologies to the Jewish community, assuring them of first-class hospital care.
Response
Authorities investigate incident, Prime Minister expresses disgust
The NSW police and the Healthcare Complaints Commission are looking into possible breaches of clinical standards and hate speech issues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the footage "sickening and shameful." Australia passed an anti-hate crime legislation last week, making a Nazi salute in public, among other offenses, punishable by a mandatory 12-month to six-year prison sentence.