Australian Nurses Suspended Following Disturbing Antisemitic Video

The unsettling video showcases two Australian nurses issuing threats against Israeli patients, prompting immediate action from state authorities.

Two nurses from a Sydney hospital have been suspended amid an ongoing police investigation following the emergence of a TikTok video where they allegedly voiced threats towards Israeli patients and declared their refusal to treat them. Officials from New South Wales (NSW) confirmed that the incident is being looked into as the now-viral footage sparked outrage online and condemnation from various leaders.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has pledged a comprehensive investigation to ensure that no patients were adversely affected, although an initial review of hospital records has shown no cause for alarm. In response to the disturbing content of the video, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled it "sickening and shameful."

The controversy arose just days after Australia enacted stricter laws targeting hate crimes due to an uptick in antisemitic acts. On Wednesday, NSW Police announced that they were able to identify the individuals depicted in the video, which was shared on TikTok by Max Veifer, an Israeli content creator. Veifer records spontaneous discussions with people on the video chat platform Chatruletka, where anonymity reigns.

In the shocking footage, a man, who claims to be a doctor, expresses his disdain for Israelis, stating, “I’m sorry you’re Israeli,” while making a throat-cutting gesture. Following this, a woman in the video chillingly comments on the fate of Veifer, declaring, “One day your time will come,” and chillingly states, “I won’t treat them, I will kill them.”

Despite the video being edited and interspersed with emojis, authorities have confirmed its authenticity. Albanese criticized the comments as "disgusting" and reaffirmed that such hate-driven rhetoric has no place within Australia's healthcare system or society at large. He emphasized that individuals found guilty of antisemitic acts will face severe legal consequences.

In addition to the suspension of the nurses, Minister Park issued an apology to the Jewish community and reassured them of their right to quality healthcare in NSW. "There is no room for such views in our hospitals or our society," Park stated, expressing the embarrassment felt by hospital staff over the incident.

This incident highlights a grim reality, with the Jewish community in Australia currently facing increased threats, including recent acts of vandalism and violence against synagogues and Jewish properties. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, remarked that this video serves as a critical warning about the antisemitism present in the nation today.