jpost.com
Oakland Cafe Ejection over Star of David Hat
A Jewish man was ejected from an Oakland cafe for wearing a Star of David hat; the incident is under investigation as a potential hate crime.
English
Israel
Human Rights ViolationsMiddle EastControversyProtestHate CrimeDiscriminationReligious Symbol
Jerusalem Coffee HouseOakland Police DepartmentJewish Community Relations Council Bay Area
Jonathan HirschAbdulrahim HararaJeremy Russell
- What is the current status of the incident?
- Videos of the incident went viral on social media, prompting discussions about religious freedom, antisemitism, and the politicization of religious symbols. Oakland Police are investigating whether the incident constitutes a hate crime.
- What was the owner's justification for asking Hirsch to leave?
- The incident sparked a heated argument, with Hirsch accusing the cafe of discrimination and threatening legal action. Police intervened to de-escalate the situation, eventually asking Hirsch to leave as anti-Israel protesters arrived.
- Why was Jonathan Hirsch asked to leave the Jerusalem Coffee House?
- Jonathan Hirsch, a Jewish man, was asked to leave the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California, for wearing a Star of David hat. The owner, Abdulrahim Harara, claimed the star had a "violent" connotation, associating it with Zionism.
- What previous controversy had the Jerusalem Coffee House been involved in?
- The Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area called the incident a "clear-cut case of anti-Jewish discrimination." Hirsch stated that he wore the hat frequently and felt compelled to confront the owner's actions.
- What was the response from the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area?
- The Jerusalem Coffee House had recently drawn attention for drinks named "Iced In Tea Fada" and "Sweet Sinwar," which some interpreted as support for Hamas, although the owner denied this.