A Trump-supporting Jewish cafe owner in a rapidly gentrifying Los Angeles enclave is bewildered by efforts to run him out of town.
Protesters held signs and harassed patrons in front of the Asher Caffe & Lounge last Thursday in the traditionally Jewish Boyle Heights neighborhood that is now predominately Latino. The protesters say they oppose the cafe and its Trump-supporting owner, Israeli-born businessman Asher Shalom, over his advocacy for Trump’s immigration policies.
“So what’s the connection? This is what I don’t understand. I’m confused — the connection between Donald Trump and good coffee,” Shalom told CBS2 News. He denies being anti-immigrant or hateful, telling the station “My name is ‘Shalom,’ and I love peace.”
Shalom told CBS2 he came to the United States 30 years ago and is now a U.S. citizen. Shalom showed CBS2 two proclamations honoring him from L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar and County Supervisor Hilda Solis, both who represent Boyle Heights. –CBS2 News
The Kosher Caffe’s grand opening was scheduled for July 12, however around 30 “anti-gentrification” activists clashed with LAPD after they blocked the entrance.
According to Eater LA, about 30 protesters associated with the group Defend Boyle Heights (DBH) showed up to speak up against Shalom, who they called “an anti-immigrant trump loving gentryfier” in a Facebook post.
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“They really intensely protested and accosted all the visitors that came to our grand opening event,” said son David.
“It was very scary,” said Shalom’s daughter Yael. “There was a lot of people protesting outside wearing masks […] and they threw a significant amount of feces at our windows.” –CBS2 News
The group sent out a #HOODALERT over Facebook in advance of the protest.
Defend Boyle Heights (DBH) was accused of using similarly aggressive tactics against another local coffee shop, as well as a nearly art gallery that was eventually shuttered.
Shalom says he employs dozens of people, including immigrants. Days before the protest, the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce – which was slated to attend the grand opening – rescinded Shalom’s membership.
A letter from chamber president Jennifer Lahoda mentions a photo shared by Shalom over his Facebook page which reads “I wish Democrats would fight as hard for Americans, as they do for illegals.”
Lahoda said those views “are not in line with the values and objectives of Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce.”
“Boyle Heights thrives because of our diverse immigrant population — The Chamber will always celebrate and support this fact. We will not support anyone who chooses to conduct themselves in a hateful manner, especially toward members of our community.”
We would note Shalom said “illegals” and not all immigrants – a distinction which is commonly conflated for political purposes.
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