Two nurses from Bankstown Hospital in Sydney have been stood down following the emergence of a video in which they allegedly made threatening and dehumanizing remarks about Israeli patients. The footage, widely circulated online, has sparked outrage across the country, prompting swift action from NSW Health and an investigation by law enforcement authorities.
The video, originally shared by content creator Max Veifer, appears to show a male and female healthcare worker making inflammatory remarks about Israeli individuals. The clip, which has been edited in parts, features the male nurse expressing hostility toward Israelis, stating they would be “killed” and sent to “Jahannam,” an Islamic term for hell. The female nurse is heard saying she would not treat Israeli patients and goes further by making additional threats before her words are censored in the video.
The nature of the conversation and the circumstances leading up to it remain unclear, but the backlash has been immediate and severe. NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the pair had been identified and stood down from their roles while a full investigation takes place.
Swift Response from NSW Health and Government Officials
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park condemned the footage as “vile, shocking, and appalling.” Addressing the media, he assured the public that such behavior would not be tolerated within the healthcare system.
“This is one of the most disgraceful videos I have ever seen. Healthcare workers have a duty to provide care to all patients, regardless of their background. The individuals responsible for these abhorrent comments will not work in our hospitals again,” Minister Park stated.
He further emphasized that the investigation would not only focus on the individuals in question but also examine whether similar incidents of antisemitism had previously occurred within Bankstown Hospital.
Premier Chris Minns echoed these sentiments, stressing that patients in NSW hospitals must feel safe and receive care based on medical need, not personal or political bias.
“We need to send a clear message that if you enter a hospital in NSW, you will be treated with professionalism and dignity. There is no place for hatred in our healthcare system,” Minns said in an interview.
NSW Police and Federal Government Involvement
The NSW Police Strike Force Pearl, which was established to investigate antisemitic incidents, has confirmed its involvement in reviewing the case. Authorities are assessing whether the comments made in the video constitute a criminal offense under Australian laws against hate speech and threats.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressed the controversy, describing the footage as “sickening and shameful.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism, stating that such views have no place in Australia.
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“This antisemitic video is disgusting. The comments are vile and have no place in our society, let alone in a healthcare setting where people expect care and professionalism,” the Prime Minister said.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Bankstown MP Tony Burke issued a joint statement condemning the video, labeling it as “appalling and completely unacceptable.” They assured the public that every measure would be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Jewish Community Leaders and Medical Organizations Respond
Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the video “utterly sickening.” He warned that such displays of hatred are a danger to society and undermine the trust placed in healthcare professionals.
“No patient should ever fear being mistreated based on their nationality or faith. This incident highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action against antisemitism in all areas of public service,” Ryvchin said.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) also issued a statement, strongly condemning the remarks made in the video. AMA President Dr. Kathryn Austin reaffirmed the ethical duty of medical professionals to treat all patients equally.
“The Declaration of Geneva commits medical professionals to treat patients based on their condition and humanity, without discrimination. Any breach of this principle is unacceptable and erodes public trust in our healthcare system,” Dr. Austin stated.
Implications and Next Steps
The incident has reignited discussions around antisemitism in Australia and the role of social media in exposing discriminatory behavior. While many have welcomed the immediate response from NSW Health, some advocacy groups are calling for stricter policies to prevent such incidents in the future.
The NSW Health Department has pledged to conduct a thorough internal review and reinforce training on ethical and professional conduct within healthcare settings. Disciplinary actions against the two nurses are expected following the conclusion of the investigation.
As the story unfolds, the wider community is watching closely to see what further measures the NSW government and healthcare system will implement to prevent similar controversies. For now, the message from officials remains clear: there is no place for hate in Australia’s hospitals.
