In an unsettling reflection of rising antisemitism, Jonathan Hirsch, a Jewish man, found himself at the center of controversy at the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California, on October 26, 2024. Hirsch, who was wearing a baseball hat emblazoned with the Star of David, was confronted and asked to leave the café by its owner, Abdulrahim Harara. The owner cited the symbol as “violent” and implied it signified Zionist affiliation.

In the video Hirsch recorded, Harara can be heard saying, “You’re being asked to leave. You’re causing a disruption. This is a private business.” Hirsch pushed back, stating, “You can’t ask me to leave because of my religion.” Harara responded by questioning, “Are you a Zionist?” before demanding, “Get out!”

The incident escalated when Harara threatened to call the police, ultimately compelling Hirsch to comply. In an interview with KTVU, Hirsch expressed that he was not...