Summer Saturdays at Reem’s Bakery: Show Solidarity

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Calendar
When:
July 22, 2017 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
2017-07-22T09:00:00-07:00
2017-07-22T15:00:00-07:00
Where:
Reems Bakery
3301 E 12th St #133
Oakland, CA 94601
USA
Contact:
Event website
Action

Saturday, July 8, 2017, anti-Palestinian zealots attempted to disrupt business at 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:

  1. Join us EVERY Saturday this summer and be prepared to stand with Reem’s if Islamophobic protestors attempt to disrupt business. Reem’s is open 7am – 3pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturdays.
  2. Eat at Reem’s at other times and post about it on Yelp, Facebook and Google Reviews.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

A Message from Reem’s California

Friends and Fam,
It’s been over a month since the opening of our new brick and mortar bakery. There have been long hours, celebration, and joy, and we are soaking up every bit of it.
Sadly, we have also had to endure racist attacks on email, phone, Yelp, and social media. As an Arab bakery committed to social justice, we are acutely aware of the troubling path this country is on.  We have seen through this presidential administration how Arab and Muslims, immigrants, Black and Brown communities, LGBTQ people, women, and poor people are increasingly subjected to threats and attacks.
Despite how difficult these attacks are, we keep our heads high. If there’s anything we know, it’s that our community gives us the courage to speak up. We are overwhelmed by the messages of love and support we have received from you all. Thank you.
Fake reviews and online bullying won’t deter us.
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