‘Filthy, parasites’: University of Sydney staffer suspended as confronting footage of anti-Semitic tirade against Jewish students emerges

A staffer has been suspended and police are making inquiries after shocking footage emerged of Jewish students being verbally abused on the grounds of one of Sydney’s biggest universities. In the video – obtained exclusively by Sky News Australia – a woman can be heard asking several students at the University of Sydney if they were “Zionists”, before raising her voice as the group urges her to move on. The outlet reports the students were celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which runs until next Monday. “A Zionist is the lowest form of rubbish … Zionists are the most disgusting thing that has ever walked this earth,” the woman says in the clip. She goes on to claim she is an “Indigenous Palestinian”, ranting about the group being “child killers” and calling one member a “f**king filthy Zionist”. A security guard can be seen trying to separate the pair. “Look at this rubbish, look at these parasites,” the same woman is heard saying. In a statement, the university said they were “disturbed and appalled” by the video. “Such conduct is utterly unacceptable, and we are taking immediate action under our codes of conduct,” a University of Sydney spokesperson said, confirming a staff member had been suspended “pending further assessment”. “Where our codes are breached, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action and other steps to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all,” the spokesperson continued. “Hate speech, antisemitism and verbal harassment have no place on campus, online or in our wider community. “We deeply apologise to any staff, students or visitors who are distressed or impacted by this incident in anyway.” In a statement, NSW Police confirmed they were aware of the video. In the video, the woman asserts the student “came to her” and she did not start the argument – despite clearly being seen approaching the group first. The group repeatedly urge the woman to leave and walk away. Another guard moves the woman on before she storms off and says: “Go f**k yourself you disgusting Zionist. A Zionist is the lowest form of humanity.”