‘Act of bastardry’: Outrage over Bankstown Hospital nurses’ anti-Semitic rant

A police investigation is “well underway” after two nurses made shocking threats during anti-Semitic rant that was recorded and shared on social media.

A nurse who vowed to “kill” Israeli patients and another who claimed he had already sent Israeli patients to the afterlife have been stood down from their positions at Bankstown Hospital after their tirade went viral.

A post shared on Instagram showed a video call between the two nurses, who were wearing their NSW Health uniforms, and an Israeli man.

“I’m so upset that you’re Israeli, like eventually you’re going to get killed,” the man wearing scrubs told the Israeli man.

Hospital workers have went on a vile anti-Semitic rant. Picture: Instagram

When the man asked why he was going to get killed, a woman wearing scrubs appeared on the screen.

“It’s Palestine’s country not your country, you piece of s***,” she said.

“One day your time will come and you will die the most … listen to me when your time comes, I want you to remember my face so you can understand that you will die the most disgusting death.”

The man questioned whether they would treat and Israeli person, but he woman cut him off saying “I won’t treat them, I’ll kill them … Not God forbid, I hope to God.”

“You have no idea how many Israeli … dog came to this hospital and … I literally sent them to (the afterlife),” the man wearing scrubs added while slicing his hand across his neck.

The video was condemned by state and federal health ministers. Picture: Instagram.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said a Strike Force Pearl investigation was “well underway”.

“This is a sad day for our country, it is unthinkable that we are confronted with – and forced to – investigate such an appalling incident,” Ms Webb said.

“The speed in which this incident was reported by NSW Health significantly assisted detectives in what is a very serious investigation.

“Detectives have managed to interview staff and establish areas within Bankstown Hospital where detectives believe the video was allegedly filmed.

“We have also seized CCTV footage which is currently under review. There will be further developments overnight.”

Earlier, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the two nurses had been stood down from their roles at Bankstown Hospital following the widespread condemnation of the footage.

Mr Park said it was “one of the most vile, shocking and appalling videos” he had “ever seen”.

“Those people subject to that investigation will not ever be working for NSW Health again,” he said.

“There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever, ever take place. There is no place for this sort of perspective in our society.”

He apologised to the Jewish community and people of NSW while at a press conference on Thursday.

“Today, I say not only am I sorry, but I can assure you this – the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first class,” he said.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park condemned the video. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“We will not just be looking at this incident, per se, but we will also be obviously going through previous cases to make sure that that hospital has been working in a way that reflects those values around safety and care.

“On initial assessment all of that indicates it is, but this is very, very early days.”

Mr Park noted that other healthcare staff had expressed they were “deeply upset”, “ashamed” and “embarrassed” by their colleague’s actions.

“This act of bastardry, this act of vile, disgusting behaviour from two individuals will in no way, in no way diminish the value … (of) the work that you do each and every day,” he reassured them.

PM SLAMS VIDEO AS ‘VILE’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the comments made in the “disgusting” anti-Semitic video were “vile”.

“The footage is sickening and shameful,” he said.

“These anti-Semitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”

Mr Albanese said the two hospital workers had been “rightly” referred to the NSW Police for investigation.

“Individuals found to have committed criminal anti-Semitic acts will face the full force of our laws,” Mr Albanese said.

Minister for Health Mark Butler condemned the video. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the “appalling” video in a joint statement.

“This video is as chilling as it is vile,” the statement said.

“The comments made in this video are sickening and totally unacceptable.”

The ministers welcomed news that the pair had been stood down and said Australians had the right to “feel safe wherever they go and nowhere should be safer than a hospital”.

“Health workers have a solemn duty to treat and heal everyone who comes before them needing help. The vast majority hold to that oath,” they said.

“The idea that you would single out a particular group in our community and indicate you wouldn’t care for them runs against every single principle in our health care system.

“These sort of comments – and the hatred that underpins them – have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin said the video was “sickening” to watch.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin said the video was ‘sickening’. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“Their unrepentant, gleeful hatred is the precursor to the violence we are experiencing in our country and it must be stamped out,” Mr Ryvchin said in a statement posted to X.

“It is this hatred and dehumanisation of Jews that causes wars and the carnage of October 7 and if left unchecked it will further degrade our society. Time for consequences.”

Zionist Federation of Australia chief executive officer Alon Cassuto agreed the video should “send a shiver down the spine of every Australian”.

“Health professionals, who take an oath to do no harm, threatening to kill and send Jewish patients to hell in our hospitals should send a shiver down the spine of every Australian,” he said.

“While we thank the NSW government for their swift action, this is just another example of the systemic Jew-hatred that has infiltrated every sector of Australian society.”

‘DEEPLY CONCERNED’: ISLAMIC DOCTORS

The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) said it was ‘deeply concerned’ and urged a thorough investigation.

“We uphold the values of dignity, respect and equality in patient care, emphasising that healthcare should be provided without any discrimination based on race, religion or political affiliation,” the AIMA said.

“AIMA is deeply concerned about a recently filmed video that has circulated online, in which certain NSW healthcare workers appeared to make unprofessional and inappropriate comments.

“Such behaviour undermines the ethical principles of the medical profession and the trust patients place in healthcare providers.

“We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in healthcare.”

Originally published as ‘Act of bastardry’: Outrage over Bankstown Hospital nurses’ anti-Semitic rant