Brooklyn coffee shop refuses service to pro-‘Israel’ Congressman Dan Goldman
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A Brooklyn coffee shop has ignited debate after publicly refusing future service to US Representative Dan Goldman, a Jewish Democrat from New York, citing his support for ‘Israel’.
Poetica Coffee, a small chain with locations in Brooklyn, posted on social media following Goldman's visit to its Williamsburg branch on Sunday.
The shop issued an unrequested refund of his $9.82 purchase and declared that it does not serve “genocide enablers.”
The Instagram post, which has since been deleted amid backlash, included a photo of Goldman and accused him of supporting actions in Gaza described as genocide.
It stated, “Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away or we would have turned you away,” and suggested his funds likely originated from the pro-‘Israel’ lobbying group AIPAC.
The message further asserted that Poetica does not serve “racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between”.
Representative Goldman, who represents New York’s 10th congressional district, responded by describing the incident as “sad.”
He noted on social media that the barista had been courteous, allowing his seven-year-old daughter to use the restroom, prompting him to purchase a coffee.
The episode occurs against the backdrop of a contentious Democratic primary in Goldman’s district, where ‘Israel’s’ military operations in Gaza have become a central issue.
Goldman faces a strong challenge from candidates critical of ‘Israel’s’ policies.
In response to the shop’s actions, the US Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into Poetica Coffee.
Officials are examining whether the refusal of service based on political or religious views violates federal public accommodation laws under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The probe was announced shortly after the post gained widespread attention.
Poetica Coffee deactivated its Instagram account following the controversy, reportedly after receiving threats.
The incident has drawn condemnation from Jewish organizations and pro-‘Israel’ advocates, who view the language as “antisemitic”.
