Melbourne, Australia — An incident involving a nurse who made statements online regarding harming Israelis has led an Australian hospital to review patient records. Officials indicated on Wednesday that no evidence has surfaced suggesting any risk or harm to patients as a result of the claims made by the nurse.
These remarks are part of a troubling trend, as antisemitism has been on the rise across Australia. Over the past year, there have been numerous attacks on Jewish properties, including vandalism of homes, offices, and businesses, as well as severe incidents where a school and two synagogues were set ablaze. The spike in such activities has a direct connection to societal tensions following the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas that began in 2023.
New South Wales state Health Minister Ryan Park announced that a police task force dedicated to addressing antisemitic crimes in Sydney has begun investigating potential violations linked to an online video featuring the claims. This includes possible contraventions of hate speech laws. Meanwhile, law enforcement in Sydney and Melbourne, which together comprise the majority of Australia’s Jewish population, is probing further antisemitic incidents, including the discovery of a trailer with explosives and specific targets listed for attack.
Suspensions have been enacted for two nurses who participated in an online conversation with Israeli influencer Max Veifer during their shift at Bankstown Hospital in Sydney. Park stated they would not be permitted to return to the state health department, labeling their actions as “vile, disgusting, and deranged.”
Alex Ryvchin, a representative from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, commented on the situation, noting a rise in extremist behavior among healthcare professionals directed at Sydney’s Jewish community. Ryvchin mentioned that he had been receiving warnings from medical practitioners about extreme content shared publicly by colleagues and asserted that this represents a broader issue, not just isolated incidents.
The health authorities quickly took action following the online release of the video, which featured the two nurses, who have not been publicly identified. Attempts to reach them directly have been unsuccessful, and influencer Veifer did not respond to inquiries for clarification.
Veifer, recognized for his right-wing perspectives, uses these video interactions as a means to highlight anti-Israel sentiments online while promoting his English language courses. In the past, he has focused on capturing moments of perceived antisemitism during these discussions.
In the released video, the nurses allegedly presented themselves as doctors; one of them claimed she would refuse treatment to Israeli patients, even making threatening remarks, while the male nurse made a gesture mimicking a throat-slitting action. Park affirmed that the investigation into Bankstown Hospital had revealed no indications that any Jewish patients had been harmed.
“The Jewish community deserves our utmost assurance that the quality of care they receive in our hospitals remains excellent,” Park stated, apologizing for the distress caused and pledging to scrutinize the hospital’s historical conduct as well.
