Abdelrahman
Suspension of Nurses in Sydney Hospital Following Antisemitic Video Incident
Authorities have announced the suspension of two nurses from a Sydney hospital after they were filmed making violent threats against Jewish patients in a TikTok video. This alarming incident has prompted an investigation by law enforcement, as confirmed on Wednesday.
The video was posted by a TikTok user named Max Veifer, who identifies himself as being from Israel. In the footage, he engages in a conversation with a male and female nurse dressed in medical scrubs.
In the video, one of the nurses expresses his disdain for Veifer’s Israeli heritage, stating, "I’m so upset that you’re Israeli… eventually, you’re going to get killed and go to (hell)." When asked for an explanation, the female nurse interjects, insisting, "It’s Palestine’s country, not your country," accompanied by an obscenity.
The woman further asserts her refusal to treat Jewish patients and shockingly claims she would harm them. The male nurse, making a threatening gesture, boasts about sending numerous Israelis to "Jahannam," the term in Arabic for hell.
While the authenticity of the footage has yet to be independently verified by Reuters, some of the woman’s remarks have been censored in the video.
Immediate Action from Authorities
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park announced that the involved nurses have been "stood down immediately," pending further investigation. He emphasized that he aims to ensure that the nurses will not be allowed to continue their employment within New South Wales Health.
The New South Wales police have launched an investigation through their antisemitic task force, focusing on the disturbing social media content where the alleged health workers made these threats. Police confirmed that those involved are currently cooperating with detectives.
Max Veifer, known for his TikTok content primarily about the Middle East, boasts 102,000 followers and has garnered 4.2 million likes across his videos.
Government Response to Antisemitism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video in parliament, stating, "I’ve seen this antisemitic video. It’s driven by hate, and it’s disgusting. The comments are vile, the footage is sickening, and it is shameful." Additionally, he noted that the Australian federal police are ready to assist New South Wales state police in this investigation.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Australia has witnessed a troubling rise in attacks on synagogues, properties, and vehicles, heightening fears among the country’s approximately 115,000 Jewish residents.
