Australian Nurse Charged Over Viral Video Allegedly Threatening Israeli Patients.
An Australian nurse who was suspended following the circulation of a controversial video has now been officially charged by Australian authorities.
Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, is facing three serious charges: threatening violence against a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to harass or cause offense.
The incident also involved another individual, Ahmad Rashad Nadir. Both were suspended from their positions at Bankstown Hospital after the footage surfaced online. The video, reportedly filmed in a hospital setting, was shared by an Israeli content creator and quickly went viral.
In the clip, Abu Lebdeh and Nadir allegedly made disturbing remarks, including claims that they would refuse treatment to Israeli patients and statements suggesting those patients would “go to hell.”
While police have confirmed that there is no evidence the two actually harmed any patients, the footage sparked widespread outrage. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “disgusting” and “vile,” adding to the intense public reaction.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the charges as a major development in what she called a “complex investigation,” particularly given the involvement of an overseas witness.
“Detectives have worked swiftly under significant pressure and public scrutiny,” she stated.
Abu Lebdeh has been granted bail under strict conditions. She is barred from using social media or traveling abroad and is set to appear in court on March 19.
As for Nadir, he has not been charged yet, as he is currently undergoing medical treatment. However, NSW Police confirmed that he remains under active investigation.
This case comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with an increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide following the start of Israel’s war against Hamas.
