A former University of Sydney staff member is facing criminal charges following an alleged anti-Semitic confrontation with Jewish students on campus earlier this year.
Alleged Confrontation During Sukkot Celebration
Rose Nakad, 53, was arrested and charged on Monday in connection with an incident that occurred on October 9. Police allege Nakad approached a group of Jewish students and community members who were celebrating the festival of Sukkot within the university's Darlington campus grounds.
According to New South Wales Police, the woman, a passer-by at the time, is accused of yelling anti-Semitic comments at the group. Footage obtained by broadcasters reportedly shows Nakad asking students if they were 'Zionists' and continuing to harass them after they repeatedly asked her to leave.
The students allegedly explained they were not making a political statement but were simply observing a religious holiday and wished to be left alone. The confrontation, however, is said to have escalated.
Details of the Alleged Abuse and University Response
In the alleged tirade, Nakad is accused of leaning close to one woman and stating: 'A Zionist is the lowest form of rubbish.' She also allegedly shouted that 'Zionists are the most disgusting thing that has ever walked this earth.'
Further allegations claim she described herself as an 'Indigenous Palestinian' before calling the group 'baby killers' and directing a profane and anti-Semitic insult at one individual.
The University of Sydney acted swiftly, suspending the staff member immediately in October pending a formal investigation. On December 15, the university confirmed it had terminated Nakad's employment on grounds of serious misconduct.
A university spokesperson stated the alleged conduct was 'deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable,' affirming that anti-Semitism has no place at the institution. The termination occurred just one day after the Bondi Beach massacre, a separate tragic event where a suspected terrorist attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration left 15 dead.
Legal Proceedings and Institutional Reforms
Following an investigation by the Inner West Police Area Command, Nakad was arrested at Parramatta Police Station. She has been charged with offensive conduct and two counts of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear.
Nakad has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Newtown Local Court on February 3.
In its statement, the University of Sydney highlighted that it has 'introduced significant reforms' since disbanding a protest encampment on campus last year, noting a substantial decline in complaints related to anti-Semitism. Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott has apologised to the Jewish community for the October incident.
The case continues to proceed through the legal system as the university seeks to reinforce its commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff.
