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A nurse in Sydney has been charged by law enforcement after a video surfaced that allegedly depicts her making threats against Israeli patients. The individual in question, Sarah Abu Lebdeh, who is 26 years old, is facing multiple charges, including threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to issue threats to kill, and using a carriage service to harass or cause offense.
Both Ms. Abu Lebdeh and a male associate were placed on suspension from their roles at Bankstown Hospital following the online release of the video. This footage, captured on a platform that connects users for random chats, reportedly shows Ms. Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir discussing their refusal to treat Israeli patients and making alarming statements about their intentions.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, authorities have indicated that there is currently “no evidence” suggesting that the individuals actually harmed any patients. The video, which seems to have been filmed within a hospital, caught significant attention after an Israeli content creator shared it, leading to widespread outcry from both the public and officials. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the content, labeling it as “disgusting” and “vile.”
In response to the controversy, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the charges as a crucial step forward in a challenging investigation. “Detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectations,” she remarked.
Ms. Abu Lebdeh was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on 19 March. In contrast, Mr. Nadir has yet to face any charges in connection with the incident.
This incident occurs amid a broader backdrop of rising concerns regarding hate crimes in Australia. Recently, the government enacted stricter legislation in response to a surge of antisemitic attacks. Various communities observed incidents of arson and vandalism, targeting homes, vehicles, and synagogues. Earlier this year, law enforcement discovered a caravan laden with explosive materials in New South Wales, which posed a serious risk of causing a “mass casualty event.” Accompanying this was a document reflecting antisemitic views and a list of Jewish individuals marked as targets.
Source
www.bbc.com