Full Breakdown
University of Sydney Staffer Charged with Antisemitic Harassment
12/23/2025, 2:05:17 AM
Incident Overview
On October 9, 2023, Dr. Rose Nakad, a former communications lecturer at the University of Sydney, was filmed harassing Jewish students and staff during a Sukkot holiday event on campus. Nakad allegedly yelled antisemitic remarks, including calling attendees "parasites" and "depraved," while also spitting at them. The incident occurred shortly after the Bondi Beach massacre, where 15 Jews were killed during a Chanukah celebration in Sydney.
University Response
Following the incident, the University of Sydney suspended Nakad and initiated an investigation. Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost Annamarie Jagose stated that a formal process was underway to assess the situation and gather relevant information. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, asserting that "hate speech, antisemitism, and harassment have no place at our university."
Legal Actions
Nakad was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking or intimidation and one count of offensive conduct. After her arrest, she was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court in February 2024. The university's decision to terminate her employment was made in light of the incident and its adherence to behavioral expectations for staff.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has sparked significant backlash, particularly in light of the recent violence against the Jewish community in Sydney. Critics argue that Nakad's actions reflect a broader issue of antisemitism in academic environments. The university's swift response has been praised by some as necessary to uphold its standards, while others question whether more could be done to address systemic issues of hate speech on campus.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A Zionist is the lowest form of rubbish,” — Dr. Rose Nakad
- “In your name they’re shredding children bit to bit,” — Dr. Rose Nakad
- “Hate speech, antisemitism, and harassment have no place at our university and when our codes of conduct are breached we do not hesitate to take disciplinary action.” — Annamarie Jagose, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost
What's Next
As the legal proceedings against Nakad unfold, the University of Sydney is expected to continue its efforts to reinforce its policies against hate speech and ensure a safe environment for all students. The incident may also prompt broader discussions on how universities handle allegations of antisemitism and harassment.
