A longtime Costco customer has come forward with allegations of anti Jewish harassment at the retailer’s Pointe-Claire location, prompting the involvement of B’nai Brith Canada.
Deborah Wiseman, a Costco member for over 20 years, says she was subjected to offensive chanting by a cashier during her checkout on August 25, 2025, at approximately 2:21 p.m. in lane 8. In a letter sent to Costco management, Wiseman alleges that an employee identified as Malik S. noticed the Star of David she was wearing and began chanting the phrase “Watermelon Die” repeatedly as he scanned her order, which totaled more than 300 dollars.
“This phrase, as you may or may not be aware, is associated with the Palestinian resistance movement,” Wiseman wrote in her formal complaint. “Regardless of political context, such language is entirely inappropriate in a retail environment, especially one that serves a diverse community. The store should be a place of neutrality and respect, not a platform for inflammatory or politicized behavior.”
Wiseman described the incident as deeply unsettling and called on Costco to take action to ensure that such behavior is not repeated.
Since posting her account publicly, Wiseman says she has received an outpouring of support and numerous messages from others describing similar encounters. She urged others to report incidents to B’nai Brith Canada’s Anti-Hate Hotline and pointed out that receipts include cashier names, kiosk numbers and transaction times, which can be used to document cases. B’nai Brith confirmed it is now involved in addressing the complaint.
Wiseman also reported receiving a phone call from the acting store manager after her account began circulating widely online. According to her update, the manager suggested that the cashier’s words may have been misheard, claiming there is a TikTok video trending about a “Watermelon Diet.” Wiseman rejected that explanation, writing “I know what I heard. Watermelon Diet? Nah.” She added that her own search confirmed no such chant exists on TikTok but that “Watermelon Die” or “Watermelon Day” chants do circulate in political contexts.
Wiseman has made clear she will not take down her public posts despite Costco’s request. She said the issue is about more than her personal experience, it is about ensuring Jewish customers can shop without fear or intimidation.
“There is no justifiable reason to remain silent in the face of anti Jewish hatred,” she stated.
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