Amy Mek
Oakland, California: In a recent incident that has sparked widespread controversy, employees at Farley’s East, a popular Oakland coffee shop, were filmed denying a Jewish woman access to the bathroom. This refusal occurred after the woman complained about anti-Israel graffiti within the cafe’s restroom.
No Jews allowed in the restroom apparently. This is what happens when you go to a leftist establishment. pic.twitter.com/XBLbqj1DQO
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 7, 2023
The Incident Unfolds
The situation escalated when the female patron expressed her desire to film the messages, which included phrases like “Zionism = fascism” and “neutrality… is enabling genocide.” A staff member with blue hair initially blocked her entry. As the confrontation grew, the staff made comments linking the patron’s actions to Israel’s policies, with one remarking, “I know Israel loves taking private property and saying it’s their own, but we got ahead.”
The tension peaked when a third employee accused the patron of misgendering them, leading to a demand for the customer to leave the premises. However, the staff eventually allowed the woman to enter the bathroom, where she documented the graffiti, which included a message on the baby changing station: “Free Palestine.”
As the woman continues to film the bathroom, one of the employees is heard saying, “History didn’t start in 1948, lady,” and another employee says, “Free Palestine.” While walking out of the bathroom, another employee says, “Free Palestine, it’s always…great, we love it.”
Farley’s East Responds
Following the viral spread of this incident on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Farley’s East issued a public apology. The cafe that employed the left-wing antisemites acknowledged the graffiti as dangerous speech, assured its removal, and stated that they were not antisemitic. The statement emphasized the cafe’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity and promised corrective measures.
Voices of Discontent
In the wake of Farley’s East’s official response to the incident, the public’s reaction has been one of continued concern and dissatisfaction. Many individuals feel that the cafe’s actions, although a step in the right direction, fall short of addressing the issue.
Dani Klein, expressing her views under the cafe’s Facebook statement, highlighted a common sentiment: “Corrective measures with staff only make sense if they’ve been removed from your place of business.” This statement reflects a broader demand for more decisive action against the employees involved.
Similarly, Samantha Adams voiced her disappointment: “Like they deserved to be fired or else it shows the owner agrees with it; he’s just upset it was filmed.” This comment suggests a perception that the cafe’s response is more about managing public image than addressing the core issue.
Anya Rozman added a more comprehensive critique: “Farley’s East removing graffiti and ‘corrective measures’ are not enough in this situation. This is a blatant civil rights violation and discrimination. They not only refused to let her use the bathroom, but they also spewed hate and discriminatory statements at her in an attacking and offensive way. If you are allowing these types of people to work in your shop, you can’t say that you value diversity and inclusivity, all the while showing that discriminatory behavior and hateful comments are allowed. Do better. Be Better. Set an example for your community.”
Legal Implications
Andrew Lieb, a discrimination attorney, commented on the legal ramifications of such incidents, highlighting the Unruh Civil Rights Act. This act mandates full and equal accommodations in all business establishments in California, regardless of religion or race. Lieb stressed the importance of legal action in these situations to prevent future discrimination and bring about necessary policy changes and training.
Broader Context
This incident in Oakland is part of a larger backdrop of escalating tensions related to the Israel-Hamas/Palestine war in the United States. Protests in support of Israel and threatening demonstrations in support of Hamas have been on the rise, reflecting the deepening divide.
Educational institutions like Harvard, UPenn, and MIT have been questioned in Congress about their lack of concern about combating dangerous threats and hate toward Jews, indicating a growing concern over the issue in academic circles.
There might just be a rash of complaints to the health and buildings department regarding mice, bugs, dangerous electric, etc. just sayin’
Guess that Asian twit forgot about Asian exclusion and assaults.