SURJ Bay Area Statement of Support for Reem’s Bakery

[ Reem’s interior photographed by Sam Breach ]


SURJ — BA stands shoulder to shoulder with the staff and management of the Oakland, CA-based Reem’s Bakery in their courageous efforts to bake and build community in the face of continued anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism and violence. We recognize that the threats and intimidation directed at Reem’s are part of a larger effort to silence local Palestinian and Muslim communities. These threats are a symptom of emboldened Islamophobia and racism.

Any business rooted in social justice, sustainability and community building, as Reem’s is, will inevitably face an uphill battle in a capitalist marketplace. To do so in the face of active Islamophobic threats and violence makes solidarity a necessity. SURJ-BA joins the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, the Left Wing Futbolistas, and other Bay Area groups in an unequivocal bond of solidarity with the intention of ensuring Reem’s safety and long term survival here in our community.

We encourage you to read Reem’s public statement.

We’d also like to amplify the following statement of support from the International Jewish Anti Zionist Network which includes some guidance on how you can show your support for Reem’s.

“As part of an on-going attempt to take down Reem’s California, Islamophobes followed through on their threats to demonstrate in front of the business. They came with racist signs and harassed customers. When community members and movement supporters came to defend Reem’s and support customers in safely entering and leaving, the demonstrators aggressively attacked them. One rammed their scooter wheel chair into two members of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center while punching one in the stomach. Another punched a JVP member in the back and shoulder. They then called the police and had the nerve to demand a citizens arrest of those they had attacked.

Though the community and movement successfully de-escalated the situation and allowed business to continue, they have threatened to return with larger numbers of anti-Arab, anti-Muslim racists. They have also threatened the safety of the staff and the business itself. SO, we need to increase our efforts to support Reem’s and to protect this valuable community and movement gathering space.

We will not let people in our communities and movements be targeted by hate.

Here’s How You Can Help Reem’s California:

Join us EVERY Saturday this summer and be prepared to stand with Reem’s if Islamophobic protesters attempt to disrupt business. Reem’s is open 7am — 3pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturdays.

Eat at Reem’s at other times and post about it on Yelp, Facebook and Google Reviews.

Make Reem’s your remote office. Bring your laptop and connect to the wifi or bring your notebook, get a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.

Host community and organizing meetings at Reem’s during or after business hours. Call Reem’s (510–852–9390) to schedule to use the space.

Donate to the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) to fund security coverage during early morning baking hours and post-closing clean-up. Select “community defense” to specify the donation for this purpose. The security firm Reem’s is working with came out of the movement and provides security for movement events and demonstrations.