“They will never work in NSW hospitals again”: Nurses suspended for anti-Israel remarks
Two NSW Health nurses have been suspended and are under police investigation after appearing in a social media video where they stated they would refuse to treat Israeli patients, threatened to kill them, and implied they had already done so.
The footage, distributed by Israeli influencer Max Veifer, shows the pair wearing NSW Health scrubs while making inflammatory, hate-filled remarks.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park swiftly condemned the video, declaring the nurses would never work for NSW Health again. “These people will never work in NSW hospitals again,” Mr. Park said. “There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view. There is no place for this sort of perspective in our society.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns told 2GB that the two individuals, later confirmed as employees of Bankstown Hospital in Sydney’s southwest, have been stood down.
The case has been referred to NSW Police’s Strike Force Pearl, a unit investigating antisemitic offenses. Officers arrived at Bankstown Hospital on Wednesday to begin inquiries, after NSW Health officials launched an internal investigation to identify the pair.
Mr. Park confirmed the nurses’ comments likely breached ethical and legal standards, including NSW Health codes of conduct and potentially state hate-speech laws. “These are vile, disgusting, and dehumanizing people whose views do not reflect those of their colleagues, their community, or NSW Health,” Mr. Park stated.
The video, originally posted on TikTok, was shared by Veifer, who has more than 100,000 followers, and was filmed using Chatroulette, a website that randomly pairs people for video chats.
In the video, the uniformed male nurse, claiming to be a doctor, greets Veifer with compliments, then abruptly expresses outrage upon learning he is Israeli. “Eventually you’re going to get killed and you’re going to go to hell,” the man says.
A woman then appears alongside him and adds, “It’s Palestine’s country, not your country.” “One day your time will come… you will die the most disgusting death.”
When Veifer questions their professionalism, asking what would happen if an Israeli patient sought treatment, the woman coldly responds, “I won’t treat them, I’ll kill them.”
The man adds, “You have no idea how many Israeli… came to this hospital and… I sent them to hell.”
The edited video was widely circulated, with Veifer encouraging viewers to share it to expose antisemitism and hold the individuals accountable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “This antisemitic video is disgusting. The comments are vile. The footage is sickening and shameful.”
These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”
David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, strongly condemned the video, stating, “The rhetoric captured on the video was deplorable and has no place in our healthcare system. That anyone feels comfortable spewing this hatred while wearing NSW-branded scrubs is sickening.”
Ossip also stressed the need for national-level action, calling for intervention by Australian medical regulators: “No healthcare worker who holds these views should be registered in Australia.”
Liberal MP Julian Leeser said that the video is yet another example of the deplorable behaviour and rhetoric targeting the community.
He commented: “What we have seen online today is deeply disturbing for many in the Jewish community.
Everyone in Australia, no matter who you are or what your background is, deserves access to the highest level of care our health system provides.
I understand this video may be concerning for Israelis resident in Australia or considering a visit to Australia. This behaviour does not reflect the views of the vast majority of Australians and the Coalition is calling on the government to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of this hate.
I urge the AFP and NSW police to continue investigating what has occurred and to prosecute the individuals to the full extent of the law.”
Alon Cassuto, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the incident should alarm all Australians, given the fundamental duty of healthcare professionals to provide care to all patients. “Health professionals, who take an oath to do no harm, threatening to kill and send Jewish patients to hell in our hospitals should send a shiver down the spine of every Australian.” Cassuto concluded, “While we thank the NSW Government for their swift action, this is just another example of the systemic Jew-hatred that has infiltrated every sector of Australian society.”
Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, labelled it as a “warning sign” to all Australians about the “evil” in some of the community.
“For a long time, I’ve heard accounts from members of the community who have been to public hospitals and seen medical practitioners wearing pins identified with the Palestinian cause. It’s made them feel unsafe,” he said.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce, visibly emotional at a press conference, described the incident as “appalling on every level.” “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be standing here after two NSW Health staff said such horrendous things,” she said. “To the Jewish community, I am sorry. The care you receive at our hospitals will be first-class.”
Pearce assured the public that a rapid review of Bankstown Hospital found no evidence that these views were widespread among staff.
While NSW Police continue their criminal investigation, the NSW government’s push for stronger hate-speech laws has hit delays. New offences aimed at preventing the incitement of religious hatred were expected to be introduced in state parliament’s first sitting week but have been pushed back as legislators debate how to balance free speech protections.
Jewish groups are urging lawmakers to act swiftly in response to the surge in anti-Semitic incidents across the country.
Minister Park reinforced the government’s commitment to ensuring hospitals remain places of safety and impartial care. “Our utmost energy and dedication will go toward reassuring the Jewish community that our hospitals will provide them with safe and quality care.”
Amir Maimon, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, tweeted: “Disturbing and appalling video circulating this morning showing NSW health workers expressing violent hatred towards Israelis. I spoke with NSW Premier Chris Minns earlier today and was assured that all necessary measures will be taken. This is unacceptable and has no place in society.
Whatever next…..Heaven help us.