Australian Nurses Facing Investigation Over Disturbing Antisemitic Video

Following the release of a video depicting two nurses making violent antisemitic threats towards Israeli patients, Australian authorities have initiated an investigation. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from government officials, highlighting ongoing concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia.

Two nurses employed at a Sydney hospital have been suspended pending an investigation after a disturbing video surfaced showing them making threatening and antisemitic remarks towards Israeli patients. The video, which went viral on TikTok, shows the individuals expressing a willingness to harm Israeli patients, with one nurse stating, "I won't treat them, I will kill them."

In response to the video, New South Wales (NSW) Police have confirmed they believe they have identified those involved, prompting State Health Minister Ryan Park to promise a thorough investigation to ascertain any potential negative impacts on patient care. Preliminary reviews of hospital records have yielded no evidence of adverse patient outcomes.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the video as "sickening and shameful," joining efforts to address rising antisemitism in the country. Over the past week, Australia had enacted stricter laws against hate crimes amid a surge of antisemitic incidents. Albanese expressed that "these antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia."

The video was created by Max Veifer, an Israeli content creator who often engages with individuals through Chatroulette, a random video chat platform. In the disturbingly edited footage, a man, who claimed to be a doctor, expresses disdain for Israelis while mimicking a slashing motion, and a woman goes further by threatening that "one day" the person on the screen would die.

Leaders within the Jewish community, including Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, have denounced the video as a stark warning regarding the existence of antisemitism within Australia. Ongoing incidents of vandalism and arson targeting Jewish communities over recent months emphasize the urgency of addressing such bigotry.

Park expressed remorse over the incident, reassuring the Jewish community that they should expect high-quality healthcare and that such views are unacceptable within the health system or society at large. The hospital staff have reportedly expressed shame over the actions of their colleagues, reaffirming their commitment to provide quality care. The video has raised significant alarm and highlighted the need for continued vigilance against antisemitism in Australia.