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Justice Department Sues Oakland Coffee House Over Alleged Anti-Semitic Service Denials

The lawsuit, filed in federal court under Title II, aims to stop policies ordering Jewish customers to exit for wearing Star of David symbols.

Attorney General Pam Bondi speaking at a news conference. The Department of Justice filed a civil rights lawsuit against an Oakland coffee shop.
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Department of Justice seal. (AP file)
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Overview

  • The DOJ filed suit on June 9, 2025, against Fathi Abdulrahim Harara and Native Grounds LLC, alleging violations of Title II of the Civil Rights Act by refusing service to Jewish patrons.
  • The complaint details summer and fall 2024 incidents in which staff ordered customers wearing Star of David hats to leave and used anti-Semitic slurs.
  • Prosecutors say the coffee shop introduced drinks named “Iced In Tea Fada” and “Sweet Sinwar” on the Oct. 7 anniversary and displayed inverted red triangles symbolizing violence against Jews.
  • Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated that the department seeks injunctive relief to prohibit further discriminatory practices at the establishment.
  • The owners deny the allegations as staged and politically motivated, and the case is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.