The University of Sydney has dismissed a lecturer following a formal investigation into a disturbing incident where she verbally abused Jewish students celebrating a religious holiday on campus.
The Confrontation on Campus
The incident occurred in October when Rose Nakad, a lecturer in the Department of Media and Communications, confronted students at a stall marking the Jewish festival of Sukkot. According to witness accounts, Nakad shouted "Free Palestine" at the group. When challenged by Jewish academic Sarah Aamidor, who was present, Nakad reportedly launched into an antisemitic tirade.
Ms Aamidor told media that Nakad, who claimed to be an Indigenous Palestinian, stated: "If you tell me you are an anti-Zionist Jew, I have no problem with you. A Zionist, whether they are Jewish, whether they are Christian, whether they are Muslim … is the lowest form of rubbish." She allegedly went on to accuse the students of being "disgusting" and "depraved," making unfounded claims about the conflict in Gaza.
Sarah Aamidor emphasised that the Sukkot stall contained no Israeli symbolism or references to the war in Gaza, describing the attack as "deliberate." The students involved reportedly asked Nakad to move on.
University Investigation and Dismissal
The university acted swiftly after a video of the exchange circulated online, initially suspending Nakad pending a full investigation. On 15 December, the institution announced it had terminated her employment on grounds of serious misconduct.
In a strongly worded statement, the university said Nakad's conduct was found to be "deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable." The statement affirmed that "hate speech, antisemitism and harassment have no place at our University" and outlined ongoing support for affected students and staff.
The decision, announced a day after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, aligns with a national reckoning on hate speech. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on 18 December that the federal government would significantly tighten hate speech laws, including new powers to cancel visas for those spreading division.
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
This incident is not isolated. Jewish community leaders in Australia have warned of a significant increase in hostility and violence since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Sydney case is viewed as part of a wider pattern of antisemitic abuse.
Last year, pro-Palestinian protests erupted across Australian campuses, with demands to cut ties with Israel. The University of Sydney's vice chancellor, Mark Scott AO, rejected those demands at the time.
The conflict itself remains devastating. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, which has caused widespread destruction and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. This war was triggered by the 7 October attack by Hamas-led militants, who killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages.
The University of Sydney's firm action underscores the heightened sensitivity and legal responsibilities institutions now face in combating hate speech and ensuring campus safety for all.
