Jewish customer left ‘terrified’, refused service by Aesop staffer wearing pro-Palestinian badge

A Jewish woman has been left “terrified” after an employee of a luxury cosmetic brand who was donning a pro-Palestinian badge on the job refused to serve her.

A Jewish customer has been left “terrified” after an employee of a luxury cosmetic brand who was donning a pro-Palestinian badge allegedly refused to serve her.

The shopper was visiting Aesop on High St in Armadale on Monday when she claims she saw the male staff member and questioned why he was wearing the badge in the workplace.

The Herald Sun understands the employee then hit back at the women, asking her whether she is a “Zionist” before refusing to serve her.

A friend of the woman, who asked to remain anonymous, described the incident as “confronting and intimidating”.

“I think people don’t understand that wearing a keffiyeh or pro- Palestine badge at a workplace is very scary and intimidating to Jewish customers and work colleagues,” she said.

Staff at the Aesop store along High St, Armdale refused to provide service to the customer. Picture: supplied

“It represents a position that Jews are not welcome and as a result this customer was terrified.”

“The fact that there is such a rise in anti semitism makes Israel even more important to Jews living all over the world as it is the only country where we can practise our faith without hate.”

The friend said pro-Palestinians have “desecrated” the word “Zionist” and made it into an “evil term”.

“It only means we want a country for Jewish people to live in freedom,” she said.

“The pro Palestine supporters are twisting words and making up lies with revisionist history and creating an environment in Australia and the world through their hateful anti Jewish propaganda which has resulted in all Jews being fearful for the first time in 80 years.”

A different store employee who was not working at the time said the matter has been “escalated to the relevant team”.

Aesop has been contacted for comment.