University of Sydney sacks staff member for verbally harassing Jewish students | World News

The incident happened in October on university grounds, when a group of students were reportedly celebrating the Jewish holiday Sukkot. (Photo: University of Sydney)

The University of Sydney in Australia has said that it has sacked a staff member who was seen verbally abusing a group of Jewish students. The staffer has been identified as Rose Nakad, a lecturer at the Department of Media and Communications.

What University of Sydney said

The University of Sydney issued a statement on Monday, December 15, calling the staff member’s behaviour deeply dressing and utterly unacceptable.

University of Sydney said in October that the staffer was immediately suspended. (Photo: University of Sydney)

“We immediately suspended the staff member pending a formal process, and have now terminated their employment on the grounds of serious misconduct. This decision followed careful consideration in line with our clear expectations of behaviour and our obligation to make sure our campuses are safe and welcoming for all,” the University statement said.

“We quickly apologised to our students and staff who were affected this incident, with ongoing free and confidential wellbeing support available to anyone in our community who may need it,” it said, adding that “hate speech, antisemitism and harassment have no place at our University.”

Incident happened in October

The incident happened in October on university grounds, when a group of students were reportedly celebrating the Jewish holiday Sukkot.Story continues below this ad

Nakad who claims to be an indigenous Palestinian and cultural activ, confronted the students, calling them them “parasites”, “rubbish” and “filthy f***ing zions.”

“A Zion is the lowest form of rubbish … Zions are the most disgusting thing that has ever walked this earth,” she was heard saying in a video clip that went viral.

“They’re shredding children … you should be making it stop,” she said further.

Meet Professor Rose Nakad – a media and communications lecturer at @Sydney_Uni.She’s been fired for calling Jewish students ‘parasites’ and ‘filthy Zions’ in a foul-mouthed campus rant. She also spat on them.The students were abused for celebrating Sukkot.🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/WtUMgI4rsr— Peter Lloyd (@Suffragent_) December 16, 2025

Following a formal complaint the students, the University of Sydney said in October that Nakad was immediately suspended from professional duties, including teaching and an investigation was also launced against her.

The University of Sydney announced the termination of Nakad a day after 15 people were shot dead two Islamic State-inspired gunmen at Bondi Beach while celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.Story continues below this ad

Rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia

Australia is home to a Jewish community which has an estimated population of 120,000. The community has alleged that there is an increase in antisemitic attacks in Australia, with the Bondi Beach attack being the latest and the deadliest.