Again? Second Australian nurse arrested for threatening to kill Jewish patients

The Sydney nurse faces charges of using a telecommunications service to issue threats, alongside additional charges for unrelated drug possession. This it the latest arrest in a series of Antisemitic scandals surrounding medical workers in Australia. This arrest follows the earlier detention of his colleague, Sarah Abu Lebdeh, and stems from a disturbing online exchange that has sparked widespread outrage.

The incident unfolded during a conversation on the social media platform Chatroulette with Israeli influencer Max Veifer. What started as a casual interaction took a sinister turn when Nadir and Abu Lebdeh discovered Veifer’s nationality. Nadir chillingly declared, “I literally sent them to Jahannam,” invoking the Arabic term for hell, and added, “Eventually you’re going to get killed and go to Jahannam, God willing.” Abu Lebdeh echoed this hostility, stating, “I’m so disappointed that you’re Israeli. In the end, you will die and go to hell,” before boasting, “You have no idea how many Israeli dogs have come to this hospital. I’ve already sent a lot of them to hell. I will not treat Jewish patients, but I will kill them.” The video of their remarks quickly went viral, prompting swift action.

Both nurses, previously employed at Bankstown Hospital, were suspended following the incident’s exposure. While Abu Lebdeh was arrested last month, Nadir’s arrest was delayed as he was receiving treatment at Liverpool Hospital due to welfare concerns. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb commended the effort, stating on Wednesday, “There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work going into all these investigations. Detectives have overcome many challenges – including huge public expectation – to put these individuals before the court.”

The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on antisemitic incidents by NSW authorities under Strike Force Pearl, established in December. In mere weeks, the task force has arrested 15 individuals, laid 78 charges, and expanded its detective team from 20 to 40, reflecting a determined response to rising hate crimes.