DOJ sues Oakland coffee shop for refusing service to Jewish customers

In the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil rights lawsuit against Jerusalem Coffee House, located in Oakland, California. This lawsuit was initiated in response to allegations that the coffee shop, owned by Fathi Abdulrahim Harara, refused service to Jewish customers and engaged in antisemitic behavior. These incidents reportedly occurred on at least two occasions, with specific instances of discrimination noted in 2024, where Jewish customers were told to leave because of the Star of David and accused of being Zionists. Such actions by an establishment open to the public are in clear violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on religion and race. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division, led by Harmeet K. Dhillon, emphasized the importance of ensuring equal treatment for all customers regardless of their background. In a public statement, Dhillon described the refusal of service to Jewish individuals as intolerable and highlighted that acts of antisemitism should not be condoned. The lawsuit seeks to address these issues through legal means, aiming to protect the civil rights of Jewish citizens and hold accountable those businesses that engage in discriminatory practices. Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that the coffee house had actions indicating support for antisemitic sentiments; they reportedly introduced drinks with names that seemed to celebrate acts of violence and conflict against Israel. On the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, two drinks were named in a way suggestive of glorifying those events, which further raised concerns regarding their policies and company culture. Beyond the individual cases, the lawsuit reflects a growing national concern about rising antisemitism in various public arenas across the country. This legal action is significant not only for holding the involved parties accountable but also as part of the DOJ's broader commitment to combat antisemitism and any form of discrimination. The active pursuit of such cases signals a readiness from federal authorities to take stringent measures in defending civil rights—a stance contrasted with the perceived inaction during past administrations. The response from civil rights organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, has been supportive, highlighting the necessity of judicial measures in combating intolerance. Overall, the DOJ's lawsuit marks a crucial step towards ensuring that American businesses uphold the standards of respect and equality for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation.