Fatana Karimi, owner of Karimi Brows permanent makeup salon in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, refused service to an Israeli-American Jewish client during a scheduled brow appointment in mid-August, citing her political opposition to Israel. The incident has drawn accusations of discrimination in violation of federal and state public accommodations law.
According to the client's account, shared on social media, the two initially conversed amicably about Afghanistan, poetry, food, and the client's novel, which features Afghan and Jewish characters. The conversation shifted when the client mentioned her Jewish and half-Israeli background.
Karimi ordered the woman out of the shop, declared that service to an Israeli violated her political beliefs, and asserted that Israel does not exist, calling it "Palestine stolen by Jews from New York." The client requested her deposit be refunded and stated she plans to report the incident to authorities.
Karimi recorded herself during the confrontation, chanting "Free, free Palestine." She later posted a video defending the refusal, framing it as a stand against what she characterizes as genocide in Gaza. In her statement, Karimi said that for her, "Israel isn't politics."
Under federal civil rights law and Virginia state statute, businesses open to the public are prohibited from refusing service based on national origin, ethnicity, or religion. Both the client's national origin (Israeli) and religion (Jewish) are protected categories under the law.
The salon's own materials previously stated it serves "anyone," a statement that advocates have pointed to as evidence of intentional discrimination. Advocacy groups have reportedly offered to connect the client with attorneys to pursue a complaint.
Karimi's salon website currently states: "At Karimi, we are proud to foster an environment of inclusivity and warmth. We serve men, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and everyone in between."
