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Over the weekend, a Brooklyn cafe refunded a coffee purchase by U.S. Congressman Dan Goldman, posting on social media that it did not serve “genocide enablers.”
Poetica Coffee operates multiple locations across Brooklyn and the East Village. The chain posted a photograph of Goldman at its Williamsburg location alongside a message attacking him over his support of Israel. “See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between,” the post read. The shop announced it had returned his $9.82 purchase and told him never to come back.
Goldman is a Jewish Democrat who represents New York’s 10th congressional district, spanning parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. He is facing a competitive primary challenge from former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Mark Treyger, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), noted that refusing service based on perceived support for Israel could raise questions under state anti-discrimination laws. “Assigning collective blame to Jews or perceived supporters of Israel over disagreements with Middle East policies is the very definition of antisemitism,” he said. “Turning a cup of coffee into a Jewish identity litmus test is an affront to the law, our values, and every New Yorker who rejects discrimination.”
The ban of Goldman contradicts Poetica’s own stated ethos. The shop’s website declares that “whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity” and that every visitor “deserves to be welcomed.” Asked about the incident on Monday, a staff member declined further comment, saying only: “We stand against genocide.” Poetica later deactivated the social media account used to publish the post.
Goldman said he bought the coffee out of courtesy. A barista had allowed his young daughter to use the restroom. “The barista could not have been nicer to my 7-year-old daughter and me,” he said. “I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness.”
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