Nurse charged over video that referenced harming Israeli patients

A Sydney nurse who was suspended over a video in which she allegedly made threats against Israeli patients has been charged by police.

Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, is facing three charges: threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to harass or cause offence.

Ms Abu Lebdeh and another man were both suspended from their duties at Bankstown Hospital after the video – filmed on an anonymous online platform which pairs people randomly for a chat – was released online.

Authorities say there is “no evidence” the pair actually harmed patients.

In the footage, which appeared to have been filmed inside a hospital and was published by an Israeli content creator, Ms Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir allegedly bragged about refusing to treat Israeli patients, killing them, and said they would go to hell.

The video spread widely online and caused public outcry, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as “disgusting” and “vile”.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the charges are a significant breakthrough in what has been a complicated investigation.

“Detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” she said.

Ms Abu Lebdeh was granted bail and will return to court on 19 March. Mr Nadir has not been charged.

Earlier this month Australia passed tougher laws against hate crimes following a wave of unrelated antisemitic attacks.

In recent months, there have been a several of arson and graffiti incidents involving homes, cars, and synagogues in Jewish communities across Australia.

A caravan packed with power gel explosives that police warned had the potential to cause a “mass casualty event” was found in New South Wales in January, alongside a document with antisemitic sentiments and a list of Jewish targets in Sydney.