Bankstown nurse charged over alleged antisemitic video
A former Bankstown Hospital nurse has been charged over a video in which she allegedly threatened to “kill” Israeli patients.
Sarah Abu Lebdeh was arrested on Tuesday night after a complex investigation by Strike Force Pearl detectives.
The 26-year-old was charged with three commonwealth offences relating to the video, which was filmed at Bankstown Hospital.
The charges include threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten or kill and using a carriage service to menace/harass/offend.
The former nurse, from Condell Park, was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 19 March 2025.
You might like
Lebdeh and colleague Ahmad Rashad Nadir were filmed in uniform having an online chat with Israeli influencer Max Veifer.
Nadir has not been charged.
It sparked shock and outrage from other nurses, government officials and the wider community.
Stay informed, daily
Both nurses were barred from working anywhere in Australia in the fallout.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the charges were a major development in what has been a very thorough and exhaustive investigation.
“Strike Force Pearl detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” Webb said on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
“These charges have been laid following a lot of hard work and legal advice, received yesterday from the Commonwealth DPP.
“Detectives have overcome obstacles and jurisdictional challenges to get where we are today.
“This is the fourteenth arrest under Strike Force Pearl with a total of 76 charges laid which demonstrates the commitment of strike force detectives investigating these offences.”
Investigations under Strike Force Pearl continue.
