US sues Oakland coffee shop for refusing service to Jewish customers

Lawsuit claims Jerusalem Coffee House ejected Jewish patrons, promoted antisemitic drinks, and displayed hate symbols in violation of civil rights law.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

The US Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against the owners of an Oakland, California, coffee shop accused of refusing to serve Jewish customers and promoting antisemitic messages, according to a statement.

The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, names Fathi Abdulrahim Harara and Native Grounds LLC, operators of the Jerusalem Coffee House, and alleges they violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or national origin in businesses open to the public.

“It is illegal, intolerable, and reprehensible for any American business open to the public to refuse to serve Jewish customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“The Justice Department is committed to combating anti-Semitism and protecting the civil rights of all Americans.”

According to the suit, the defendants denied Jewish patrons equal access to the coffee shop’s services on at least two occasions.

In both incidents, Jewish customers were reportedly singled out because they were wearing caps bearing the Star of David.

In one instance, an employee allegedly told a customer, “You’re the Jew. You’re the Zionist. We don’t want you in our coffee shop. Get out.”

In another, Harara is said to have berated a customer accompanied by his 5-year-old son, accusing him of supporting “genocide” and calling police to falsely report him for trespassing.

The lawsuit also cites actions taken by the café on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

That day, the business introduced two new beverages: “Iced In Tea Fada” — a play on “intifada,” and “Sweet Sinwar,” referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the attacks.

Federal prosecutors also point to inverted red triangles painted on the shop’s exterior — a symbol associated with threats and attacks against Jews.

While Title II does not allow the Justice Department to seek monetary damages for victims, the department is pursuing an injunction to require changes to the shop’s practices and prevent future discrimination.