NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association hold ‘solidarity action’ after anti-Semitism scandal
NSW nurses have held back tears as they describe their ‘devastation’ at the anti-Semitic comments made by two of their own, as they pause their pay dispute to rally against hate speech.
NSW
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NSW nurses and midwives say they are “devastated and appalled” by the anti-Semitic rants spread around the world by two of their own, as they reveal staff have copped abuse over the scandal in emotional scenes outside Parliament House.
About 100 nurses and midwives rallied for the last-minute “solidarity action” against hate speech in Martin Place on Thursday – pausing plans to hold a picket line for higher pay – after a viral video in which two Sydney nurses boasted about wanting to kill Israeli patients at Bankstown hospital sent shockwaves through the industry.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ (NSWNMA) president O’bray Smith held back tears as she pleaded with the community to not take out their anger on healthcare workers.
Ms Smith said Bankstown Hospital staff had been “hit hardest” by the anti-Semitic rants made by their colleagues Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh.
“There have been a lot of tears from our members out there and I hope the community … see this is not us, this is not reflective of us and we will continue to care for them and hopefully build from this,” she said.
“I’ve heard some reports from members overnight there were some angry members of the community who voiced their devastation about the comments … it was a very difficult night shift for them.”
NSWNMA Wagga Wagga branch president Karen Hart, 67, and Pramajit Kang, 70, caught the 6.30am flight to Sydney to join the rally, and will fly back to the regional town this afternoon.
They said the effort was necessary to “drown out the two voices” who have undermined faith in thousands of dedicated, “caring” public health workers across the state.
“I think it’s important that we stand up united to say there is no hate in health care, none at all,” Ms Hart said.
“I was appalled and devastated (when I first saw the video).”
“I myself have come from India, 16 years I’ve been here, and I love my work and we do not differentiate … we have compassion for all patients,” Ms Pramajit said.
Fellow representatives from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), Professionals Australia Union and Public Services Australia Association also joined the action in a show of force.
NSWNMA acting general secretary Michael Whaites said workers supported calls for an investigation into public health care records, amid concerns the hate-filled rant could be the tip of the iceberg.
When asked if he was surprised the two nurses had time to video-chat during their shift, Mr Whaites said he was worried nurses would be scrutinised for taking their rostered breaks.
However, he could not confirm if the incident had occurred on the nurses’ “own time”.
“I have a problem with people assuming that if a nurse has got a coffee in their hand or a magazine in their hand therefore the systems’ not in crisis – they still get a meal break,” he said.
“[But] in the last 24 hours we felt it important that we turn today’s event into a clear statement for our communities … to say very clearly there is no room for hate in healthcare.”
The pair of nurses, who were both wearing NSW Health-branded scrubs, filmed themselves speaking to Israeli content creator Max Veifer, who then uploaded the video online to expose them.
They were quickly stood down by NSW Health and will face criminal charges.
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