DOJ Sues Oakland Coffee Shop for Refusing Service to Jewish Customers

The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, has filed a lawsuit against the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California, and its owner Fathi Abdulrahim Harara for allegedly discriminating against Jewish customers. The lawsuit alleges that on two separate occasions, Jewish patrons wearing baseball caps with Stars of David were ordered to leave the coffee shop, with one customer being called derogatory names and falsely accused of trespassing. Additionally, the coffee house reportedly introduced drinks with names referencing Hamas and displayed inverted red triangles, symbols associated with violence against Jews. The DOJ stated these actions violate Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on religion and other factors in public accommodations. Harara's lawyer denies that any customer was denied service, framing the lawsuit as an attempt to malign the coffee house. The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting civil rights for all Americans.