Two Sydney nurses have been suspended from their duties after a disturbing video surfaced showing them making hateful and antisemitic comments towards Israeli patients. The video, filmed during a live stream on Tuesday night, shows the two nurses, who were wearing New South Wales Health uniforms, engaging in a conversation with a popular Jewish influencer in Israel.
In the video, one of the nurses, who claims to be a doctor, tells the influencer that he is upset that she is Israeli and predicts that she will eventually be killed. The female nurse interrupts, stating that Palestine is the rightful country and refers to the influencer in derogatory terms. She goes on to make chilling threats, saying that the influencer will die a disgusting death and that she would refuse to treat or even kill Israeli patients if given the chance.
The video has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters. NSW police have launched an investigation into the matter, with Strike Force Pearl, which specializes in anti-Semitic attacks, leading the inquiry. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has described the comments as vile, dehumanizing, and unacceptable, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated within the health system.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also denounced the video, calling it sickening and shameful. He has assured that those responsible will face the full force of the law. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Federal Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to provide care to all patients without discrimination.
The incident has raised concerns within the medical community, with Dr. Michael Krasovitsky, a Jewish medical oncologist, expressing his shock at the hateful comments made by his colleagues. The Australian Medical Association (NSW) has condemned the anti-Semitic commentary, reaffirming the commitment of healthcare practitioners to provide quality care to all patients regardless of their background.
The co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australia Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, has described the video as sickening and warned that it is just the tip of the iceberg. He has called for consequences for those involved in spreading hate and emphasized the need to confront such ideologies in society.
In response to the incident, NSW Health has vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that such behavior is not repeated. The values of respect, compassion, and inclusivity are paramount in the healthcare system, and any form of discrimination or hatred will not be tolerated. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding these values and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all patients.
