California Cafe Accused of Antisemitism Closes Amid Lawsuits

A Palestinian-owned cafe in Oakland, California, known as "Jerusalem Coffee House," has ceased operations following a wave of lawsuits alleging antisemitic discrimination. The establishment faces three concurrent legal actions, including a significant federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The federal case accuses the cafe of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by public accommodations based on religion, race, or national origin. This trial is slated to commence in San Francisco in October.

The lawsuits stem from several reported incidents of harassment targeting Jewish customers. In one instance, a father and his son were allegedly asked to leave by the owner because the father wore a Star of David emblem on his hat, which the owner reportedly called a "violent" hat. In another case, staff allegedly yelled at a customer wearing a Star of David, called him a "Zionist," and expelled him from the premises.

The cafe also drew controversy by commemorating the October 7th anniversary with menu items referencing the intifada and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The cafe's owners deny the allegations, characterizing the lawsuits as a campaign by Zionist organizations and the federal government aimed at suppressing free speech and support for Palestinians. They claim to have experienced harassment and property damage, stating the closure is temporary to focus on their legal defense.

However, civil rights organizations and the Anti-Defamation League, supporting the alleged victims, assert that the cafe's actions constitute unacceptable discrimination in public spaces.