Headline
Headline
Back to Oakland, CA News

Oakland Cafe in federal crosshairs hit with vandalism

Oakland, CALocal News

Abdulrahim Harara, the owner of Jerusalem Coffee House in North Oakland, reported vandalism after someone shattered a window of his cafe early Monday morning. This incident follows multiple lawsuits from Jewish organizations and the Department of Justice, which allege discrimination against Harara and his business. Harara has used his cafe as a venue for Palestinian advocacy, raising awareness and funds for those affected by the ongoing conflict. The Oakland Police Department is currently investigating the vandalism, which occurred between 11 p. m.

on October 5 and 1:30 a. m. on October 6. Harara claims the vandalism is part of a broader pattern of harassment, including hate mail and smear campaigns, directed at him and his community. A federal judge recently allowed the DOJ's discrimination lawsuit to proceed, citing sufficient allegations of discriminatory conduct.

Harara's menu includes items symbolizing solidarity with Gaza, which have drawn criticism from some organizations. The cafe's ongoing legal battles and this act of vandalism highlight the tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the local community.

Related Articles

Oakland, CALocal News

East Bay leaders call for federal government shutdown to end

East Bay leaders, including Rep. Lateefah Simon and seven mayors, urged Republicans to collaborate with Democrats to end the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has financially strained local federal workers and jeopardized essential services like SNAP and Head Start programs.

Oakland, CALocal News

Will the Oakland Roots ever find a coach they like?

Benny Feilhaber concludes a tumultuous first season as coach of the Oakland Roots, who finished 10th in the USL Championship's Western Conference with a record of seven wins, eight draws, and 14 losses. The team struggled down the stretch, securing only one victory in their last three months, ultimately falling short of playoff contention. The Roots' history is marked by high expectations and repeated coaching changes, with Feilhaber being the sixth coach since the team's inception in 2019.

Oakland, CALocal News

Oakland mayor, sheriff say CBP 'surge' operation canceled for East Bay

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced that Border Patrol operations are canceled for the greater Bay Area, including Oakland. This decision follows a planned surge operation by the federal government that was set to begin this Saturday. Protests against immigration crackdowns occurred at Coast Guard Island, where federal agents were seen preparing for an operation.