A Melbourne plant nursery has been forced to publicly apologize after one of its co-owners sent an “anti-Semitic” rejection message to a job seeker.
A 24-year-old Israeli woman shared a text she allegedly received from Brett Dahan after applying for a job at The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park.
The young woman, who has been in Australia for less than a month and wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald Sun she was “shocked” when she received Mr. Dahan’s rejection message.
In the message, Mr. Dahan told the Jewish woman that the position had been filled by “someone with a semblance of humanity”.
The business man wished the woman good luck on her journey before saying he hopes she leaves Melbourne “soon.”
“Free Palestine and end genocide NOW. You’re complicit in IT,” the text read.
Mr. Dahan reportedly told the Herald Sun over the phone that he “did not know” why he had sent the message, with the publication saying he did not answer any follow up questions.
The woman said she was “shocked and deeply disappointed” by the message, saying she had believed she would be welcomed after moving here.
“I came to Australia believing it was a fair and welcoming country but reading those words – so full of hostility – was heartbreaking,” she said.
“I was judged, not as a person, but as an Israeli.”
It is illegal to discriminate against a job applicant based on their nationality under Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act.
The situation has sparked massive backlash from the Jewish community, with a protest being held outside The Garden of Eden Nursery on Monday.
The business, which is run by Brett and his twin brother Scott Dahan has since released a statement apologising to the Jewish community and expressing “regret” over the situation.
“The Garden of Eden Nursery would like to express its regret and extend its sincere apologies to the community in regards to the recent message sent to a member of the public by a staff member,” the statement shared to the business’ Instagram page reads.
However, it appears the apology did not come directly from Brett Dahan, as the statement notes the message was sent via a personal account and “we were unaware of it until it became public.”
“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 business claimed, adding the matter was being addressed internally.
“Our commitment has always been to foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for our customers, staff, and all communities,” the business said.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out, we value your continued support and understanding as we work to ensure this does not happen again.”
News.com.au has contacted The Garden of Eden Nursery for clarification on whether Mr Dahan has apologised to the woman directly and what steps are being taken to rectify the situation.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman, Dr Dvir Abramovich, has slammed the apology, saying it “doesn’t cut it”.
“Mr Dahan’s repugnant text wasn’t a slip. It was a deliberate, written act meant to humiliate and degrade,” he said.
“Apologizing ‘to the community’, blaming ‘a staff member’, and saying it will be handled ‘internally’ is not accountability. The message came from a co-owner. When ownership presses send, the business speaks in its own voice.”
Dr Abramovich said the community demands a personal apology from Mr. Dahan to the woman he “demeaned”, along with “real consequences” for his actions.
He also called for independent anti-discrimination training for all staff and a public update detailing the actions taken and how complaints will be handled going forward.
“Fix this today. Anything less is permission for hate,” he said.
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) also criticised the nursery, branding the message an “ugly attack” and saying there must be “consequences”.
“If the Jewish community doesn’t stand up to this hatred, it will only grow,” the AJA said.
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