UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY FINALLY FIRES STAFF MEMBER WHO HARASSED JEWISH STUDENTS — MONTHS TOO LATE
The University of Sydney has reportedly terminated Rose Nakad, months after footage emerged showing her verbally abusing Jewish students who were peacefully celebrating Sukkot.
This was not a protest.
Not a political demonstration.
Just students observing a Jewish holiday and asking to be left alone.
According to reports, the staff member approached them, began interrogating them about whether they were “Zionists,” and then launched into a tirade that would have resulted in immediate dismissal in almost any other workplace.
She allegedly referred to Zionists as “the lowest form of rubbish” and “the most disgusting thing that has ever walked this earth.”
Reports further state that she called Jewish students “parasites” and “filthy Zionists,” continuing even as they repeatedly asked her to leave.
That is not activism.
That is harassment.
Now for the part that raises serious questions: the university announced her dismissal on Monday — immediately following the Bondi Beach mass stabbing.
So what changed?
Not the conduct.
Not the video.
Not the words.
The only thing that changed was public pressure.
The university now describes the behavior as “deeply distressing and utterly unacceptable.”
That assessment is accurate — but it is also months overdue.
Emeritus Professor Greg Craven has reportedly highlighted the broader problem: universities allowing this behavior to take root, spread, and then acting surprised when it becomes pervasive.
Jewish academic Yoni Nazarathy has reportedly echoed what many already know — that university leadership has failed to properly confront antisemitism.
Because when antisemitism is tolerated, it becomes normalized.
And when it’s normalized, it spreads.
Firing her was the bare minimum.
Waiting until after a high-profile tragedy to act is the real indictment.