Australian hospital investigates nurses over antisemitic video

Sydney hospital probes staff after online video sparks outrage and police investigation.

A police officer stands near anti-Israel graffiti painted on a wall in Sydney, Australia, on December 11, 2024. Photo by Mick Tsikas/AAP Image

By Nada Fadiyah and Adila Ghina

An Australian hospital is reviewing patient records after a nurse claimed in an online video to have killed Israeli patients, prompting an immediate investigation, officials said Wednesday. While authorities stress that no evidence of harm to patients has been found, the incident has intensified concerns over rising antisemitic attacks in the country.

The online claims emerged as part of a surge in antisemitic crimes across Australia, where homes, businesses, and offices have been vandalized, and arson attacks have targeted Jewish sites, including a school and two synagogues, within the past year.

New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that a police strike force dedicated to investigating antisemitic crimes in Sydney since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023 is now looking into the video. The investigation is considering whether the remarks violate hate speech laws and other potential offenses.

Hate crime concerns and security risks in Australia

Beyond the hospital incident, Australian hate crime investigators are probing a series of alarming events, including the discovery of a trailer containing explosives, a list of potential Jewish targets, and recent synagogue arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. These two cities, home to 85% of Australia’s Jewish population, have become focal points for escalating tensions.

Hospital suspends nurses involved in online video

The controversy erupted after two nurses from Bankstown Hospital in Sydney were recorded in a conversation with Israeli influencer Max Veifer during their night shift on Tuesday. The footage, widely circulated online, showed the pair making violent antisemitic remarks.

One of the nurses, a woman, stated that she would refuse to treat an Israeli patient and instead kill them. Meanwhile, the male nurse used expletives and made a throat-slitting gesture.

Health Minister Park swiftly condemned the remarks, labeling the individuals as “vile, disgusting, and deranged.” He confirmed their immediate suspension and stated they would never work for the state health department again.

“These individuals have no place in our healthcare system,” Park said.

Jewish leaders warn of growing extremism in the medical field

Jewish community leaders have expressed alarm over the growing extremism within Australia’s healthcare sector.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the video highlights a disturbing pattern of antisemitic rhetoric among medical professionals.

“For months, I’ve been hearing from medical practitioners in the community who have been warning about extreme content posted by other doctors and nurses online,” Ryvchin told Network 10. “This is not the work of isolated individuals—this is merely the tip of the iceberg.”

The role of Israeli influencer Max Veifer

The video was posted online by Veifer, an Israeli right-wing activist known for using recorded conversations to expose antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. He has gained attention for viral clips in which he engages strangers in political discussions.

Veifer has yet to comment publicly on the controversy, and attempts to reach the nurses for a response have been unsuccessful.

Hospital review finds no evidence of patient harm

New South Wales health officials have launched an internal review of Bankstown Hospital’s past and present patient care practices.

Despite the severity of the comments made in the video, Health Minister Park emphasized that there is no evidence that Jewish patients were harmed or denied treatment at the hospital.

“To the Jewish community today, I say not only am I sorry, but I can assure you this: the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first-class,” Park said.

The hospital will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as investigations progress, with officials urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.