New South Wales health former nurse Sarah Abu Lebdeh arrives surrounded by supporters at the Downing Centre local court in Sydney.
Share and Follow

A nurse sacked over her alleged inflammatory rhetoric is no longer accused of threatening to kill Israeli patients after prosecutors dropped a charge.

Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 27, and Ahmad Rashad Nadir, 28, sparked national condemnation when they were recorded saying they would refuse to treat Israelis and appearing to threaten violence towards them.
The pair were working a night shift at southwest Sydney‘s Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital at the time of the alleged threats, made through an online video chat platform in February.
New South Wales health former nurse Sarah Abu Lebdeh arrives surrounded by supporters at the Downing Centre local court in Sydney.
Sarah Abu Lebdeh is on bail under strict conditions, barring her from using social media or leaving the country. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Charges were laid after footage was shared online by another party to the Chatruletka meet-up, Israeli influencer Max Veifer.

Abu Lebdeh was charged with threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.

But the allegation that she threatened to kill Israeli patients was withdrawn by prosecutors today in Downing Centre Local Court.

Abu Lebdeh is yet to enter pleas to the remaining two charges, which will proceed with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

She is on bail under strict conditions, barring her from using social media or leaving the country.

Her former colleague Nadir was hospitalised after the video emerged before being charged in March with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and possession of a prohibited drug.

New South Wales Health former nurse Ahmed Rashid Nadir arrives at the Downing Centre local court in Sydney
Ahmed Rashid Nadir pleaded not guilty to possessing morphine. (Sydney Morning Herald)

He pleaded not guilty to possessing morphine, which he will fight at a hearing at Bankstown Local Court in October.

Nadir is yet to enter pleas to the former charge, which will proceed with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Nadir previously apologised through his lawyer, Zemarai Khatiz, for the comments he made in the video.

Outside court, Zhatiz said he would not be negotiating with the Commonwealth DPP and the matter would take “a long time” to resolve.

Both nurses remain on bail and were excused from attending court today.

They have been prohibited from working as nurses nationwide by Australia’s health practitioner watchdog, and their registrations have been suspended in NSW.

Their comments attracted widespread criticism – including from the prime minister and NSW premier – amid community concerns at the time about antisemitic acts in Sydney and Melbourne.

Many of the highest-profile incidents in Sydney have since been revealed to have been concocted by criminal networks with no clear ideological motivations.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former broadcaster Alan Jones has paid tribute to rival radio legend John Laws, saying there was never animosity between them, only "enduring respect and friendship".

Alan Jones Honors John Laws: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Radio Icon Without Animosity

Alan Jones has expressed heartfelt tribute to his long-time talkback radio competitor,…

BBC Director-General Tim Davie Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Trump Edit Allegations

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) director-general Tim Davie and the chief executive of…

Breaking News: Israel Confirms Return of Soldier Hadar Goldin’s Remains from 2014 Gaza Conflict

Israel said the remains it received on Sunday from Hamas were those…

Unveiling Australia’s Hidden Bias: The Rise of Subtle Discrimination in Everyday Life

Asang Wankhede is an anti-discrimination lawyer, and comes from a Dalit community…
'Dozy Don': Trump Oval Office event images go viral

Viral Buzz: Photos from Trump’s Oval Office Event Capture Internet’s Attention

Images of US President Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes at…

Revolutionizing Representation: Kodie’s Vision for Bold First Nations Characters on Screen

The world needs more naughty First Nations characters. At least, that’s what…

‘Unbelievable’: Liberal Senator Condemns Calls to Ditch Net Zero Targets

Liberals senator Andrew Bragg has warned he will resign from the frontbench…
'Radio won't be the same': PM and stars mourn talkback icon John Laws

Farewell to a Legend: How John Laws’ Departure Redefines the Future of Radio

Tributes have poured in for the legendary broadcaster John Laws, affectionately known…