NSW Police Raid Sydney Nurse’s Home Amid Hate Speech Investigation
By Abel Kalpi Nand Prasad
The nurses were wearing their NSW Health uniforms while filmed declaring they would refuse to treat Israeli people and "kill them" if they presented to their ward. Picture: NewsWire Handout
The home of Bankstown Hospital nurse Ahmad Rashad Nadir has been raided by NSW Police amid an investigation into an alleged hate speech incident. Officers from Strike Force Pearl executed the raid on Friday night, just hours after Nadir was hospitalised for reported mental health concerns.
The incident stems from a video filmed inside Bankstown Hospital, in which Nadir and fellow nurse Sarah Abu Lebdeh allegedly made anti-Semitic remarks while wearing their hospital uniforms. The footage, first posted online by Israeli social media personality Max Veifer, triggered a major public and political outcry.
Strike Force Pearl’s Investigation
Strike Force Pearl, which focuses on anti-Semitic incidents, is now leading the probe into the viral video. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that officers are seeking the full, unedited footage as part of their investigation.
“We need this to be watertight, and critical to that is the evidence from the influencer,” Webb stated in an interview with 2GB.
Veifer, who initially uploaded a shortened clip of the nurses' remarks, has since released the full two-and-a-half-minute video. However, he stated he had not yet been able to send the footage directly to police due to an issue with the email address provided.
Public Reaction and Political Response
The video’s release has sparked widespread backlash, with many calling for immediate disciplinary action against the nurses. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce reaffirmed the department’s commitment to combating hate speech.
“NSW Health provides safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to all people of all backgrounds and cultures,” Pearce said. “We are committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity for all.”
Both Nadir and Abu Lebdeh have been suspended from NSW Health, and discussions are underway regarding the possibility of stripping them of their accreditation. The Commonwealth government is reportedly considering measures to prevent the pair from working in any healthcare capacity in the future.
Investigation Ongoing
Despite the mounting controversy, neither Nadir nor Abu Lebdeh has been formally charged. NSW Police confirmed that while they have contacted their legal representatives, voluntary interviews have not yet taken place.
Neighbours have reported incidents of “angry” individuals approaching Nadir’s home, while Abu Lebdeh’s family claims they now fear reprisals. Her brother, Mohammed Abu Lebdeh, argued that the video was heavily edited and that his sister had been “baited” into making the remarks.
The investigation is ongoing, with NSW Police continuing to gather evidence. As public scrutiny intensifies, authorities are expected to take further action to ensure accountability.
