Oakland's Jerusalem Coffee House Stays Shut Ahead of 3 Antisemitism Lawsuits

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2

Jerusalem Coffee House remained closed Wednesday after suspending operations last week while preparing for three discrimination cases, including a federal civil-rights trial set for Oct. 26.
The lawsuits allege the Palestinian-owned Oakland cafe refused service to Jewish customers, including a father and his 5-year-old son, over Star of David hats and then followed some patrons outside with insults and threats.
A federal judge has already rejected the owners' bid to dismiss the Justice Department case, which was filed in June 2025 under Title II of the Civil Rights Act.
The cafe says the litigation is an effort by Zionist groups and the government to punish its pro-Palestinian speech, while critics argue the First Amendment does not shield public businesses from religious discrimination.