The coffee shop, owned by three Palestinian-American brothers—Mejdi, Noor, and Sami Gaith—has reportedly been vandalized four times in one month. Each act of vandalism specifically targeted a “Free Palestine” sign displayed in the shop’s front window. In the most recent incident, the vandal defaced the sign by crossing out “Free Palestine” and writing “Free Porn Here,” an offensive message seemingly meant to intimidate and harass based on the owners’ Palestinian heritage.
SEE: Palestinian-owned Berkeley coffee shop vandalized four times, police investigate as hate crime
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“We are deeply disturbed by these repeated acts of vandalism against Jaffa Coffee Roasters, which clearly target the owners’ expression of their Palestinian identity. These are not just attacks on a business but on the rights of individuals to express their beliefs without fear of retaliation. We stand in solidarity with the Gaith family and all those who are targeted because of their identity or beliefs.
“We also commend law enforcement for recognizing the seriousness of these actions and urge them to swiftly identify and apprehend the individual responsible. It is crucial that justice is served and that all members of our community feel safe and respected.”
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
In an update in July, CAIR said the surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate that erupted last October continues in the first half of the 2024.
CAIR-SFBA is committed to defending the rights of all community members to express their beliefs freely, without fear of harassment or intimidation. The organization encourages anyone who experiences discrimination or violence to contact its office at 408.986.9874 for legal assistance.