Protesters gathered outside a Brooklyn coffee shop on Wednesday, slamming the café owners for banning a Jewish congressman over his pro-Israel beliefs. The controversy began when Rep. Dan Goldman, a Jewish Democrat from New York, stopped by Poetica Coffee with his daughter. Despite the barista’s kindness, the coffee shop later posted a photo of Goldman on social media, saying they had refunded his purchase and accusing him of supporting genocide.
Accusations of Antisemitism
The coffee shop’s post sparked outrage, with many accusing the owners of antisemitism. Jayne Zirkle, a protest organizer, said the incident was not about politics, but about a business refusing to serve someone based on their identity. ‘We’re here today to show that we’re not going anywhere. We’re standing proud in our identity. We’re proud to be Jewish. And we’re not going to be intimidated by businesses who believe that there is a right or wrong view that Jews should hold on Israel,’ Zirkle said.
The Justice Department’s Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the coffee shop over alleged ‘denial of service taunts’ aimed at Goldman. However, the congressman has said that he does not think the incident warrants an investigation.
Protesters Gather
On Wednesday, protesters gathered on either side of Lorimer Street, some with Israeli and American flags and others with Palestinian flags. The pro-Israel protesters held their demonstration next to Poetica Coffee, hurling accusations of antisemitism as anti-Israel protesters shouted slogans back.
Ramon Maislen, a Jewish Brooklyn resident, said the incident at Poetica Coffee reflects a broader trend he has seen throughout the borough. ‘I think that what we have right now, especially in Brooklyn and some progressive places, is that people are willing, or the anti-Zionists are willing to accept Jews as long as they claim that they’re anti-Zionists or that they are against Israel in some capacity,’ Maislen said.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
