THE OLD STORY
Qahwa ( قهوة), “coffee,” is traced back to 15th century Yemen, where our story begins particularly in the coffee houses that rulers sought to shutter, not for brewing coffee but fomenting revolution.
These coffee houses spread throughout Yemen, and people would discuss politics, social issues and frustrations they were experiencing. Seeing that coffee could brew a revolution, local leaders banned the gatherings, and coffee all altogether. Undeterred, people began to turn their family homes into discrete coffee houses.
ROOTED IN REVOLUTION
We aim to bring the spirit and purpose of the traditional coffee house to Oakland, land of the Ohlone, birthplace of the Black Panthers and home to multigenerational communities that continue to seek autonomy and self-determination, directly linked in heart and faith to liberation struggles around the world.
Jerusalem Coffee House embodies the same attributes as our flavors – spiritual, potent, and audacious, allowing it to be a truly welcoming abode to our people of Palestine, Oakland, the Bay Area and beyond. We’re excited to open up our space to you all and look forward to building with you over a delicious cup of coffee.
