Protesters clashed outside a Brooklyn coffee shop on June 24 after the business banned Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman over his stance on Israel. The conflict escalated when pro- and anti-Israel demonstrators confronted each other outside Poetica Coffee in Park Slope, leading to NYPD intervention.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Poetica Coffee publicly refused service to Goldman, posting a since-deleted Instagram message calling him a "genocide enabler" and refunding his $9.82 order. The post, which included a photo of Goldman and a reference to "genocide juice," sparked protests from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups. One pro-Palestine rabbi reportedly yelled "Zion Nazi terrorist" at a pro-Israel protestor, while counter-protesters chanted "end Jew hatred."
Deeper Dive and Context
The Coffee Shop's Statement
Poetica Coffee's post claimed it does not serve "racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between." The shop also referenced Goldman's campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which donated $194,489 to his campaign from 2025 to 2026, according to OpenSecrets.
Protest Dynamics
Approximately 65 protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside Poetica's Williamsburg location, with NYPD officers separating the groups using barricades. Demonstrators used megaphones to shout competing chants, while counter-protesters condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The Justice Department has opened a civil-rights investigation into the coffee chain, citing federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
Political and Legal Implications
Goldman, who lost a Democratic primary to former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, had a pleasant interaction with a barista before the coffee shop's public refusal. The incident has drawn attention to broader debates over free speech, discrimination, and political activism in public spaces.