Oakland Palestinian-Owned Coffee Shop Accused of Discrimination in Federal Lawsuit

An Oakland Palestinian-owned coffee shop accused of refusing service to Jewish customers last year is now being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice.

In court documents, the justice department claims Jerusalem Coffee House owner Abdulrahim Harara violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against two Jewish customers based on their religion.

“This is illegal and we hope it stops,” said Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the justice department’s civil rights division. “Every American should feel free to go into any coffee shop, give their money and get a cup of coffee. That’s just the American way.”

Read more at NBC Bay Area