Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, was banned from a Brooklyn coffee shop due to his views on Israel. The coffee shop, Poetica Coffee, posted a viral social media post announcing the ban, which has since been taken down.

Background

Goldman had visited the coffee shop and had a positive interaction with the barista, who was wearing a hijab. Despite this, the coffee shop later posted a message on social media stating that they did not want Goldman’s business, citing his support for Israel.

The post referenced the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobbying group, and accused Goldman of being beholden to the organization. Goldman has faced criticism from some in his party for his support of Israel, particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Response

Goldman responded to the ban, stating that it was ‘sad’ and that he had enjoyed his interaction with the barista. He also accused his primary opponent, Brad Lander, of using AIPAC as a ‘dog whistle’ to attack him.

Lander has referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as ‘genocide,’ a claim that the Israeli government denies. Goldman has stated that he supports the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, but does not support everything the Israeli government does.

The Justice Department has announced an investigation into the coffee shop’s actions, which some have characterized as antisemitic. Goldman has stated that he would rather the Justice Department focus on investigating antisemitism against individuals who do not have the same platform as he does.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.