DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Coffee Shop Over Anti-Semitic Discrimination

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against a coffee shop in California, alleging multiple instances of discrimination against Jewish customers. The lawsuit involves Fati Abdulrahim Harara of Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, which reportedly refused service to individuals identified as Jewish on at least two occasions.

The complaint states that the establishment features symbols of anti-Semitism displayed on its exterior. “It’s illegal and unacceptable to refuse service to Jewish customers,” Attorney General Haltet K. Dillon remarked in a statement. He emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to upholding civil rights and combatting anti-Semitism through rigorous enforcement of the Civil Rights Act and related laws.

In one notable instance, Harara allegedly recognized a client wearing a David’s star baseball cap as Jewish and requested that he leave. On another occasion, he asked a Jewish customer and his young son to depart, inaccurately accusing them of trespassing and labeling the customer a “Zionist.” These incidents reportedly took place earlier this year.

The lawsuit also references promotional items associated with the coffee shop, specifically drinks linked to the anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on Israel, which have drawn criticism for their names and implications. The beverages, named “Tee Fada’s Ice in Tee Fada,” reference the Intifada and a former Hamas leader.

Previously, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) had filed a complaint against the coffee house, documenting a second incident where Harara and some employees allegedly chased away a Jewish individual from the shop. Both occurrences were reported to have happened in the summer of 2024.

In an ADL press release, it was stated that discriminatory practices should not be tolerated, expressing concern over the rise of anti-Semitism. The group stressed its determination not to overlook such behavior.

Jerusalem Coffee House also has published material on its business subsack page, which includes essays that present anti-Semitic views, suggesting that “Zionists have distorted Judaism” and other contentious narratives.

The lawsuit arrives shortly after the DOJ reaffirmed its stance against violent rhetoric from anti-Israel groups and indicated that Columbia University was failing to address anti-Semitism on its campus in violation of its civil rights policies.