Nurse charged over video bragging about harming Israeli patients
A Sydney nurse who was suspended following a video in which she allegedly made threats against Israeli patients has now been formally charged, BBC reported.
At 26, Sarah Abu Lebdeh faces three charges: threatening violence against a group, using a carriage service to issue death threats, and using a carriage service to harrass or offend.
Abu Lebdeh and another man were suspended from their positions at Bankstown Hospital after a video—recorded on an anonymous online platform that randomly pairs users for conversations— was posted online.
Authorities have emphasised that there is “no evidence” the individuals involved actually harmed any patients.
The footage, seemingly filmed inside a hospital and later shared by an Israeli content creator, allegedly shows Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir purportedly boasting about denying medical care to Israeli patients, killing them, and saying they would go to hell.
The video circulated online, leading to widespread outrage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly criticised it, calling it “disgusting” and “vile.”
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the charges as a crucial development in what has been a challenging investigation, due to the involvement of an international witness.
“Detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” she said.
Abu Lebdeh has been released on bail but is barred from using social media or traveling overseas. She is set to reappear in court on March 19th.
Nadir remains under investigation but has not been charged, as he is currently receiving medical treatment, according to NSW Police.
The charges against Abu Lebdeh come amid broader concerns over hate crimes.
Earlier in February, Australia enacted stricter laws in response to a rise in unrelated antisemitic incidents.
Meanwhile, in Florida, a man was charged with attempted murder after firing at two reportedly Jewish Israeli individuals, he believed were Palestinian.
In recent months, multiple Jewish communities have been targeted in arson attacks, and graffiti defacement of homes, cars, and synagogues.
In January, New South Wales police discovered a caravan packed with power gel explosives—which they described as capable of causing a “mass casualty event”—alongside a document containing antisemitic views and a list of Jewish targets in Sydney.
BBC
