SFSU alum blends Peruvian and Palestinian cultures at parents’ former San Leandro space

Jijad Hijazi continues his family’s legacy at Ancestors Cafe

Sophia Rerucha and Melissa Garcia • Jun 3, 2025

In a small commercial business park in San Leandro, Jijad Hijazi runs Ancestors Cafe, a restaurant where he serves Peruvian and Palestinian dishes. Hijazi’s parents, who are Palestinian and Peruvian, ran a restaurant in the same physical space until the COVID-19 pandemic shut them down. In 2022, Hijazi wanted to revive the space with a new name to serve up his family’s recipes.

Hijazi is a San Francisco native, and in 2008, he graduated from San Francisco State University, where he majored in urban studies and planning. He sees the cafe as a spot to host and serve the surrounding community.

About the Contributors

Sophia Rerucha, Spanish Editor

Sophia Rerucha (she/her) is the Spanish editor for Golden Gate Xpress. She is majoring in bilingual Spanish journalism. Originally from San Diego, she much prefers San Francisco. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike, reading and hanging out with friends. Sophia Rerucha (ella) es la editora en español de Golden Gate Xpress. Ella es estudiante de tercer año y estudia periodismo bilingüe. Aunque es originaria de San Diego, prefiere San Francisco. En su tiempo libre, le gusta andar en bicicleta, leer y salir con sus amigues.

Melissa Garcia, Digital Editor

Melissa Garcia (she/her) is the digital editor for Golden Gate Xpress. She is majoring in bilingual Spanish journalism and minoring in marketing. Growing up in a suburb outside of Chicago, Illinois, she later moved to Santa Barbara, California, and graduated from Santa Barbara City College. During her time at SBCC, she was editor-in-chief for the school news site, The Channels. Outside of the newsroom, Melissa enjoys working out, spending time at the beach and eating at new food spots to post on Instagram: @meliimeals! Melissa Garcia (ella) es la editora digital de Golden Gate Xpress. Estudia periodismo bilingüe en español con una especialización en marketing. Creció en un suburbio cerca de Chicago, Illinois, y luego se mudó a Santa Bárbara, California, donde se graduó del Santa Barbara City College. Durante su tiempo en SBCC, fue la directora del sitio de noticias de la escuela, The Channels. Fuera de la sala de prensa, a Melissa le gusta hacer ejercicio, pasar tiempo en la playa y probar nuevos lugares de comida para publicar en Instagram: @meliimeals.