Oakland coffee shop sued by DOJ for alleged discrimination against Jewish customers

The U. S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, alleging discrimination against Jewish customers based on their religious identity. The complaint claims owner Abdulrahim Harara violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act by refusing service to visibly Jewish customers identified by symbols such as the Star of David. Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the civil rights division, stated that no American should fear denial of service due to their faith.

Harara's attorney, Glenn Katon, refuted the allegations, asserting that the lawsuit is a politically motivated attack meant to silence pro-Palestinian voices amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Katon maintained that neither customer was denied service and pointed to one customer's history of public confrontations about the war. Both customers have filed separate lawsuits against Harara in addition to the federal complaint. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding issues of discrimination and free speech in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The outcome could have implications for similar cases of alleged discrimination in public accommodations.