Sydney: Two nurses from a Sydney hospital have been suspended after a video showed them making violent threats against Israeli patients.
New South Wales (NSW) officials confirmed that both individuals are under police investigation due to their disturbing remarks.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park assured the public that an investigation would ensure no harm was caused to any patients.
A quick review of hospital records found nothing unusual, but authorities promised a detailed probe into the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the video, calling it “sickening and shameful” after it spread online.
Investigation Underway
The incident follows Australia’s recent crackdown on hate crimes amid rising antisemitic incidents across the country.
On Wednesday, NSW Police stated that they had identified the individuals involved in the controversial video.
Minister Park confirmed that both had been removed from duty and would never work in NSW healthcare again.
The video was initially posted on TikTok by Israeli content creator Max Veifer.
Veifer often shares online interactions recorded through Chatruletka, an anonymous video chat platform.
Shocking Footage
The video have been filmed inside a hospital setting.
A man claiming to be a doctor tells Veifer he has “beautiful eyes” but adds, “I’m sorry you’re Israeli.”
He then states that he sends Israelis to Jahannam, an Islamic concept of hell.
Following this, he gestures as if slitting his throat before a woman appears on screen.
She tells Veifer that his “time will come” and later declares, “I won’t treat them, I will kill them.”
Government Response
Authorities have not questioned the video’s authenticity, despite its edited nature and added emojis.
Prime Minister Albanese called the comments “vile” and stressed that hate has no place in Australia’s health system.
“Anyone committing criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of the law,” he posted on X.
Minister Park apologized to the Jewish community and reassured them of NSW’s commitment to top-quality healthcare.
“There is absolutely no room for such hateful views in our hospitals or society,” he stated.
Rising Concerns
Hospital staff in Bankstown, where the video was recorded, expressed shame over the incident.
However, Park emphasized that this incident should not overshadow the dedication of other healthcare workers.
Australia has seen a surge in antisemitic attacks, including arson and vandalism targeting Jewish communities.
Authorities recently discovered a caravan loaded with explosives, which could have caused mass casualties.
Police also found a document listing Jewish targets and containing antisemitic rhetoric in Sydney.
A Growing Threat
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the video a wake-up call.
He warned Australians to remain vigilant against the growing threat of hate-driven extremism.
“This video is a chilling reminder of the evil that still exists in our society,” Ryvchin stated.
Officials continue to investigate the case while assuring the public of strict legal action against offenders.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities linked to hate crimes.
