A Sydney nurse sacked over a viral video in which she and another nurse allegedly threatened to kill Israeli patients has had one of the charges against her dropped.
Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 27, and Ahmad Rashad Nadir, 28, sparked national outrage in February after they were recorded saying they would refuse to treat Israelis at Bankstown Hospital, in the city’s west.
The pair were working a night shift at the time of the alleged threats, made through the online video chat platform Chatruletka.
Charges were laid after footage was shared online by the other party in the video chat 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 cause offence.
But the allegation that she threatened to kill Israeli patients was withdrawn by prosecutors on Tuesday in Downing Centre Local Court.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.
The matter will return to court in November.
Sarah Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir were recorded saying they would refuse to treat Israelis while working a night shift at Bankstown Hospital, in Sydney’s west in February, 2025
The alleged threats were made through the online video chat platform Chatruletka and the footage was shared online by the other party in the exchange, Israeli influencer Max Veifer
Sarah Abu Lebdeh (centre) is protected by supporters as she departs the Downing Centre Local Court, Sydney, in March earlier this year
She is on bail under strict conditions, barring her from using social media or leaving the country.
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.
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 DPP.
He previously apologised through his lawyer Zemarai Khatiz for the comments he made in the video.
Outside court, Mr 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 on Tuesday.
They have been prohibited from working as nurses nationwide by Australia’s health practitioner watchdog and their registrations have been suspended in NSW.
