Key points: A 24-year-old Israeli job applicant in Melbourne says she received an allegedly antisemitic rejection text from The Garden of Eden Nursery, prompting protests and a public apology from the business. The nursery said the message—sent by a staff member—does not reflect its values and is being handled internally. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich called the response inadequate and demanded a direct apology and stronger accountability. Under Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, nationality-based discrimination in hiring is unlawful.
Melbourne Nursery Apologises After Alleged Antisemitic Job-Rejection Text Sparks Protest
Key points: A 24-year-old Israeli job applicant in Melbourne says she received an allegedly antisemitic rejection text from The Garden of Eden Nursery, prompting protests and a public apology from the business. The nursery said the message—sent by a staff member—does not reflect its values and is being handled internally. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich called the response inadequate and demanded a direct apology and stronger accountability. Under Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, nationality-based discrimination in hiring is unlawful.
04:16, 06.11.2025Society
Nursery apologises after alleged antisemitic rejection message prompts public outcry
Public anger erupted in Melbourne after a 24-year-old Israeli job applicant said she received a rejection text that community groups described as "repugnant." The message, which the applicant and local outlets say was sent by co-owner Brett Dahan of The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park, prompted protesters to gather outside the business and led the nursery to issue a public apology.
The applicant, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had relocated to Australia recently and expected a warm welcome. Instead, she described being "shocked and deeply disappointed" by the text, saying it judged her as an Israeli rather than as an individual.
"Unfortunately, the position has been filled by someone with a semblance of humanity and who cares for plants, animals, and the environment. Good luck on your journey and I hope you leave Melbourne soon! Free Palestine and end genocide NOW. You’re complicit in IT."
According to reports in the Herald Sun, Brett Dahan told the outlet he "did not know" why he sent the message and did not respond to further questions. The nursery is co-run by twin brothers Brett and Scott Dahan.
On Sunday the business issued a statement expressing regret and apologising to the Jewish community for a message sent "by a staff member," saying the incident was being addressed internally and that the text did not reflect the values of the company or its team.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, chairman of Australia’s Anti-Defamation Commission, rejected the apology as insufficient and called for stronger accountability, urging a direct, personal apology from Mr Dahan and suggesting that closure of the business could be an appropriate response. Protesters and community leaders have demanded clear consequences for discriminatory behaviour.
Under Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act, discriminating against a job applicant on the basis of nationality is unlawful, and the episode has prompted local media coverage and debate about workplace discrimination and public speech. The Garden of Eden Nursery did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from Fox News Digital.
Sources: Herald Sun, news.com.au, statement from The Garden of Eden Nursery; comment from Anti-Defamation Commission.