The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, alleging that the café refused service to Jewish customers in two separate 2024 incidents, escalating commercial religious discrimination into a federal matter.
At a Glance
- The DOJ accuses the Palestinian-owned café of violating Title II of the Civil Rights Act by ejecting Jewish patrons wearing Star of David hats
- One incident involved Michael Radice being asked if he was a “Jew” or a “Zionist” and then escorted out
- In another, Jonathan Hirsch and his 5-year-old son were ordered to leave amid insults including “bitch”
- The lawsuit also notes drinks named “Iced In Tea Fada” and “Sweet Sinwar” as references to Palestinian uprisings and Hamas
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that refusing service based on religion is “illegal, intolerable, and reprehensible”
Federal Enforcement Steps In
According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s report, the Justice Department filed the complaint under Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which bans discrimination in places of public accommodation. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated the conduct was “illegal, intolerable, and reprehensible,” reinforcing the administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom in public spaces.
The lawsuit outlines two distinct incidents at the Jerusalem Coffee House in 2024, where patrons wearing visible Jewish symbols were allegedly targeted and removed by owner Fathi Abdulrahim Harara.
Allegations of Hostile Treatment
The first case involves Michael Radice, who says he was approached by staff, referred to as “the guy with the hat,” and asked if he was a Jew or a Zionist before being removed. In the second case, as reported by SFGate, Jonathan Hirsch and his young son were told to leave, with Harara allegedly calling the Star of David “violent” and using derogatory slurs.
Oakland police later classified Hirsch’s case as a hate incident, though no criminal charges have yet been filed.
Symbolic Messaging and Community Impact
Beyond the reported behavior, the lawsuit calls attention to the café’s controversial branding. Menu items include “Iced In Tea Fada,” a reference to Palestinian intifadas, and “Sweet Sinwar,” referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The storefront also features inverted red triangles, symbols associated with calls for violence against Jews on social media.
Harara maintains that his actions were intended to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, not to incite hatred. Nonetheless, the Justice Department argues the conduct crosses a legal line and seeks injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination and enforce compliance with federal civil rights laws.
