Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland closes amid antisemitism lawsuits

Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California, has closed indefinitely as its owners prepare for a federal trial. The Palestinian-owned establishment is facing three separate lawsuits alleging antisemitic discrimination against Jewish customers.

The legal challenges include a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice alleging violations of Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religion and national origin. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law have filed suits on behalf of customers who allege they were refused service or harassed due to their Jewish identity.

In a statement, the coffee house owners claimed the lawsuits are an attempt by the federal government and Zionist organizations to use the courts to repress free speech and political commitments to Palestine. The owners stated the closure is necessary to focus their full attention on the legal proceedings. A federal trial is scheduled to begin on October 26.