Shocking moment Jewish man is refused service at Officeworks by 'pro-Palestine' staff member

A Jewish man is suing Officeworks for racial and religious discrimination after a worker refused to laminate a page of the Australian Jewish News newspaper.

The customer, who was wearing a yarmulke at the time of the incident, took an article from the Australian Jewish News to Officeworks in Elsternwick, east Melbourne, on March 4.

The piece was titled: 'The indomitable spirit of our people' and featured a photo of a group holding the Australian and Israeli flags.

After seeing the newspaper, the Officeworks worker refused to serve the Jewish man, stating, 'I'm pro-Palestine.'

She claimed Officeworks' policies gave her the right to deny the man service based on her political beliefs, which Officeworks has since clarified is incorrect.

'I'm not comfortable proceeding with it (the job),' the worker said.

'Maybe there's another staff member that's comfortable doing it,' the customer asked.

The worker replied: 'You can wait for Maddie and see if she's comfortable doing it, but I know I'm not.

'I'm pro-Palestine, and for political reasons, I'm not comfortable.'

The customer questioned whether Officeworks' policies gave workers the discretion of service based on their personal beliefs.

Instead of responding, the worker asked if she was being recorded by the man and threatened to call the police if the man did not leave the store.

The customer has since lodged a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming Officeworks discriminated against his race and religion by refusing him service.

'This incident has caused my family and me significant distress and has raised concerns about whether it is safe to visit our local stores and conduct our usual activities,' he said.

'None of the staff intervened during the situation with the manager, and the embarrassment and harassment we experienced have left a lasting impact.'

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, warned the worker's behaviour could set a dangerous precedent.

'There is something very wrong happening in our country, and I am shocked by this ugly and dehumanising outburst of exclusion which is un-Australian and tears to shreds our shared values. 

'What's next? Being refused entry into a restaurant, a club or a medical clinic because you wear a Star of David, or you have a Jewish-sounding name? 

'I would not be surprised if there are Holocaust survivors here who would be reminded of the Nazi Nuremberg laws that barred Jews from public life in Germany.'

An Officeworks spokesperson said the company was 'disappointed' to see the incident and clarified its policies 'do not discriminate customers on the basis of political views, religious beliefs or race'. 

'We can confirm that we have taken this matter extremely seriously and, since the matter occurred, have investigated internally and taken the appropriate action to ensure this doesn't take place again,' they said.

'In this particular incident, our policies were incorrectly applied and in accordance with our Officeworks' policies, the laminating should have taken place. 

'Additionally, we have provided ongoing training and education to our team members so they are aware of the legal requirements in respect of discrimination and of Officeworks' policies and procedures.'

The spokesperson added the worker's views 'are not Officeworks' views'. 

'Officeworks takes its legal obligations very seriously, including treating team members and customers with respect and ensuring our store environment is free from discrimination of any kind,' they said.

'Once again, we are sorry that this incident occurred and for any distress caused to the customer.'

Dr Abramovich called for Australians to be 'rock solid' in uniting against discrimination.

'Who would have thought that in Melbourne 2024, people would be denied a service because of their faith and for Israel?,' he said.

'We should have zero tolerance for this kind of profiling and indefensible prejudice. 

'No one should be singled out or denied service because of their ethnic origin, the country they support, gender, creed, faith, or sexual orientation. 

'Being different should be a cause for celebration, not a liability that makes one subject to bias.'

'Melbourne is a multicultural and welcoming city, and this incident is a stain on its reputation,' he said.

'It is time for Officeworks to not just talk the talk but walk the walk by sending the unmistakable message that Jewish Australians and anyone supporting Israel are welcome in their stores. 

'They should issue a public apology and consider the position of this particular employee. 

'I urge the Human Rights Commission and the government to condemn this unacceptable conduct.'