Melbourne Nursery Faces Backlash Over Alleged Antisemitic Job Rejection

A nursery in Melbourne has come under fire after a Jewish job applicant received a rejection message that included inflammatory remarks perceived as antisemitic. The incident, which has ignited protests and calls for accountability, involves a text message that allegedly urged the applicant to leave Australia, just weeks after her arrival.

The rejection message was sent by Brett Dahan, co-owner of The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park. The 24-year-old Israeli jobseeker, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was informed that the position had been filled by “someone with a semblance of humanity.” The message included a statement: “Good luck on your journey and I hope you leave Melbourne soon! Free Palestine and end genocide NOW. You’re complicit in IT.”

Following the incident, civil rights activists condemned the message as “repugnant,” prompting a protest outside the nursery. The young woman expressed her shock and disappointment, stating, “I came to Australia believing it was a fair and welcoming country, but reading those words—so full of hostility—was heartbreaking.”

In a subsequent conversation with the media, Dahan claimed he “did not know” why he had sent the message and failed to provide further explanations. This lack of accountability has only intensified public outrage.

Community Response and Official Statements

The incident has garnered significant attention from the Jewish community, with demonstrators gathering outside the nursery to voice their concerns. According to Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, discrimination against job applicants based on nationality is illegal.

In response to the backlash, The Garden of Eden Nursery, operated by twin brothers Brett and Scott Dahan, issued a public apology on Sunday. The statement expressed regret over the message sent by a staff member, emphasizing that it does not reflect the values of the business. “We are deeply upset and disappointed by the content of the message, which in no way reflects the values, standards, or spirit of our business or team,” the nursery noted.

Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, criticized the nursery’s apology, asserting that true accountability would require stronger action, such as closing the business. He described the text as a deliberate attack meant to humiliate the applicant and emphasized that she deserves a personal apology from Dahan.

The nursery has not provided additional comments in the wake of the incident. The situation continues to unfold as community members seek to hold the business accountable for its actions.