A 21-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli discharged soldier turned to Tebeka after experiencing a racist and humiliating incident while working at a gas station, shortly after completing significant military service.
According to his account, after finishing his military service, during which he also took part in combat, he chose to work at a gas station in a position recognized as preferred work for discharged soldiers. He came to work with a sincere desire to earn a living with dignity, move forward, and begin building his civilian life.
During one of his shifts, a female customer arrived at the station. While he was assisting another vehicle, she began shouting at him, demanding immediate service. He politely responded that as soon as he finished fueling the other car, he would come over to assist her. After approaching her vehicle and beginning to refuel it, the customer continued shouting at him, urging him to hurry and treating him in a degrading manner.
The situation then escalated, and the customer began hurling harsh racist insults at him, including: “You filthy, stupid Black person,” and “Who brought people like you here anyway?”
The incident left him feeling deeply humiliated. In his words, דווקא after meaningful service and a profound sense of belonging to the country, it was especially painful to face such a blatant act of racism and humiliation in the workplace.
The employee was unable to continue his shift and turned to the station manager. Fortunately, the manager did not remain indifferent. He expressed full support, helped collect the customer’s identifying details, and made it clear that such conduct must not be tolerated.
The young man later turned to Tebeka, where he received support, a listening ear, and legal assistance. Tebeka is acting to protect his rights and to pursue legal action in response to the racist remarks and the severe violation of his dignity.
This case is a painful reminder that even today, many citizens are still forced to confront racism and humiliation in public spaces and in the workplace. For many victims, even taking the first step of seeking help is not self-evident. Silence, in many cases, only deepens the harm.
Tebeka will continue to stand beside those who have been harmed by racism, discrimination, and violations of their dignity, and to provide professional, accessible legal assistance, free of charge, to ensure that no one is left alone in the face of injustice.
Have you experienced racism or discrimination? Tebeka is here for you.
