When Jew People Become “You People”

(As far as I know, I am the only Jewish employee at my location. It is two weeks before Christmas, and I’m cleaning out the dressing rooms when a coworker rushes up.)

Coworker: “[My Name]! I’ve been looking all over for you!”

Me: “What’s up?”

Coworker: “I need you to cover my shift on Christmas Eve! I waited too long to schedule my break so I NEED someone to cover for me.”

Me: “Sorry, no can do.”

Coworker: “Why not? You covered for me on Easter!”

Me: “I know, but I can’t do Christmas because—”

Coworker: “But you’re Jewish. Ugh, why are you people always so selfish?”

(For a minute I just stare at her; she seems to realize that she has just crossed a line, and her face turns bright red.)

Me: *coolly* “My dad’s family is Christian, so I spend Christmas with them because it’s one of the only times I get to see my grandparents. And even if I didn’t, I would go home anyway because my mom’s birthday is the 26th. I’ve already booked my flight, and I asked for the week off months ago.”

(She mumbles about finding someone else and rushes away. I don’t know if she found somebody to cover her on Christmas. What I do know is that I will NOT be covering her Easter shift next year. I have plenty of other coworkers who would appreciate the chance to spend the holiday with their kids.)