A wave of outrage swept through the Australian Jewish community after a young woman seeking employment received a shockingly hostile rejection text. The message, deemed “repugnant” by civil rights activists, ignited protests and forced a public apology from a Melbourne nursery.
The 24-year-old woman, recently arrived in Australia, applied for a position at The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park. Instead of a standard rejection, she received a text message laced with animosity and prejudice, shattering her hopes for a welcoming start in a new country.
The message, allegedly sent by co-owner Brett Dahan, stated the position was filled by someone possessing “a semblance of humanity” and a care for living things. It then cruelly urged her to leave Melbourne, linking her nationality to political conflict and accusing her of complicity in “genocide.”
Devastated and “deeply disappointed,” the woman expressed her heartbreak at being judged not as an individual, but solely based on her Israeli identity. She had envisioned Australia as a haven of fairness and acceptance, a vision brutally undermined by the hateful words she received.
When confronted by a local news outlet, Dahan offered a baffling response, claiming he “did not know” why he had sent the message and refusing to elaborate further. This lack of explanation only fueled the growing anger and disbelief surrounding the incident.
News of the rejection quickly spread, prompting immediate protests outside The Garden of Eden Nursery. Members of the Jewish community and allies gathered to condemn the antisemitic remarks and demand accountability.
Legal experts pointed out that the nursery’s actions likely violated Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality in employment practices. The incident raised serious questions about prejudice in the workplace.
The Garden of Eden Nursery issued a statement apologizing to the Jewish community and attributing the message to a “staff member.” They pledged to address the matter internally, but this response was widely criticized as insufficient.
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, denounced the apology as a hollow gesture. He argued that genuine accountability would require the closure of the business, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious nature of Dahan’s actions.
Abramovich insisted that the woman deserved a direct, personal apology from Dahan, highlighting the profound emotional harm caused by the discriminatory message. The incident served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of confronting prejudice wherever it arises.
