UPDATE: A staff member at the University of Sydney has been charged with serious offenses following an alleged antisemitic tirade against Jewish students. Rose Nakad, 53, was dismissed from her position last week after she was reportedly filmed launching a verbal attack on students celebrating Sukkot on October 9, 2025.
The incident occurred just one day after the tragic Bondi Beach massacre, where suspected terrorists opened fire at a Jewish event, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Authorities confirm Nakad now faces charges including offensive conduct and two counts of stalking or intimidation, intended to instill fear.
According to NSW Police, Nakad confronted a group of Jewish students at the university’s Darlington campus, hurling antisemitic slurs while they celebrated. “The matter was reported to officers from Inner West Police Area Command, who began an investigation in October,” a police spokesperson stated. On December 19, 2025, Nakad was arrested at Parramatta Police Station and has since been granted conditional bail as her case progresses.
In footage obtained by Sky News, Nakad allegedly approached students, questioned their political affiliations, and escalated her harassment despite their pleas for her to leave. “A Zionist is the lowest form of rubbish,” she reportedly shouted, further describing herself as an “Indigenous Palestinian” and labeling the group as “baby killers.”
The University of Sydney took swift action, terminating Nakad’s employment on December 15 after an immediate suspension. In an official statement, the university condemned her actions as “deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable,” reaffirming that antisemitism has no place on their campus.
Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott publicly apologized to the Jewish community, emphasizing the university’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. “This decision followed careful consideration in line with our clear expectations of behavior,” Scott added, noting improvements in campus safety following recent reforms.
Nakad is scheduled to appear in Newtown Local Court on February 3, 2026, as the community watches closely for further developments in this alarming case. With emotions running high, the impact of this incident extends beyond the university, raising important conversations about antisemitism and safety on campuses nationwide.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
