Two nurses in Australia have been suspended following the emergence of a video that allegedly shows them threatening to kill Israeli patients and bragging about their refusal to provide care.
The individuals, a man and a woman employed at a hospital in Sydney, are currently under investigation by law enforcement, as confirmed by officials in New South Wales (NSW).
State Health Minister Ryan Park stated that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ensure there were no negative outcomes for patients, although an initial review of hospital records did not reveal any irregularities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the video as “sickening and shameful” after it began to circulate on social media.
Less than a week after Australia enacted stricter legislation against hate crimes in response to a series of prominent antisemitic incidents, NSW Police announced on Wednesday that they believed they had identified the individuals featured in a controversial video.
The health minister confirmed that both individuals had been immediately suspended and assured the public that they would never be allowed to work within the NSW healthcare system again.
The video was posted on TikTok by content creator Max Veifer, who identifies as being from Israel. His account showcases interactions with users on Chatruletka, an anonymous video chat platform that connects individuals randomly.
The footage, which has been reviewed by the BBC, appears to have been filmed in a hospital setting. In the video, a man claiming to be a doctor compliments Mr. Veifer on his “beautiful eyes” but then expresses regret over his Israeli identity, stating that he sends Israelis to Jahannam, a term referring to a place of punishment in Islamic belief. He proceeds to make a throat-slitting gesture, after which a woman appears on screen, ominously stating that “one day” Mr. Veifer’s “time will come” and that she refuses to treat Israelis, declaring, “I won’t treat them, I will kill them.”
Although the video has been edited with added emojis and some comments censored, authorities have not disputed its authenticity.
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Prime Minister Albanese condemned the video as “disgusting” and “vile,” stating on X that “These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia. Individuals found to have committed criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of our laws.”
Health Minister Park also expressed his apologies to the Jewish community, emphasizing that they could still expect “first-class” healthcare in NSW. He asserted that such views have no place in hospitals or the broader society, adding that staff at the Bankstown hospital felt embarrassed and ashamed, though this did not undermine the quality of care they provide.
