The second former nurse caught on film making anti-Israeli comments during a video call at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in Sydney’s west has been charged.
Ahmed Rashid Nadir, 27, was arrested on the evening of March 4 and charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend, as well as possessing a prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on March 19.
The video, filmed by Israeli influencer Max Veifer, shows Nadir making derogatory remarks about Israeli patients.
In the footage, Nadir claims to have sent Israeli patients to “Jahannam” (hell), saying, “You have no idea how many Israeli dog(s) came to this hospital and I sent them to Jahannam,” while making a cutting motion across his neck.
Female Co-Worker Also Detained
Nadir’s arrest comes a week after police arrested his former co-worker, 26-year-old Sarah Abu Lebdeh, who also appeared in the video.
She was arrested on Feb. 25 and charged with similar offences and allegations.
In the video, Abu Lebdeh allegedly stated that she would refuse to treat Israeli patients, and even threatened to kill them. She was also granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on the same date as Nadir.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb praised the work of the detectives for their handling of the case.
“Strike Force Pearl detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” she said.
Professional Repercussions and Apologies
Following the release of the video, both Nadir and Abu Lebdeh were immediately stood down from their positions at Bankstown Hospital.The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) confirmed that both nurses’ credentials have been revoked, meaning they are no longer authorised to practise in Australia.
Nadir issued an apology through his lawyer, claiming the incident was a misunderstanding. However, he later clarified that it was a mistake.
“It was a joke ... I will use social media, anything, to apologise, but I need to go and see the detectives first,” he said.
He also said he is willing to apologise to the entire Jewish community.
Abu Lebdeh’s uncle told reporters that she would speak when the time was right.
The fallout from the video has raised serious questions about professional conduct and ethics in healthcare, and the duty of medical staff to treat patients impartially, regardless of their background.
