A Brooklyn coffee chain sparked a federal civil rights investigation after publicly refunding Rep. Dan Goldman and declaring it does not serve “genocide enablers,” drawing swift condemnation from Jewish community leaders and the Justice Department.
Poetica Coffee, which has seven branches in Brooklyn and the East Village, posted a photograph of Mr. Goldman at its Lorimer Street, Williamsburg location alongside a message attacking him over his support for Israel. The shop returned his $9.82 purchase and told him never to return.
“See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between,” the post read. “Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away. We issued you a refund — we don’t need your money (it’s probably coming from AIPAC anyways). Enjoy your loss on Tuesday. Don’t ever come to Poetica.”
Poetica Coffee deactivated its account after backlash to the post.
The post’s language stood in stark contrast to the chain’s own stated ethos. Poetica’s website, founded by Parviz Mukhamadkulov, an Uzbek immigrant, during the pandemic, describes its philosophy around the Uzbek concept of “mehmon” — the sacred guest — stating that “whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity. Not as a customer. Not as a transaction. As someone who arrived and deserves to be welcomed.”
Mr. Mukhamadkulov told The Times of Israel on Monday that he had received death threats and threats against his family, was in contact with the NYPD, and “would like to focus on the safety of my family at this time.”
Mr. Goldman, a Jewish Democrat representing New York’s 10th congressional district, said he bought the coffee out of courtesy after a barista allowed his daughter to use the shop’s restroom.
“The barista could not have been nicer to my 7-year-old daughter and me — allowing her to use the bathroom even though we had not purchased anything,” he said in a statement. “I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”
Speaking to CNN’s Laura Coates on Monday, Mr. Goldman described the barista as wearing a hijab and said he gave her a large tip.
“I honestly was so grateful for her kindness that I felt like I should buy a coffee,” he said.
The Justice Department announced it had opened a civil rights investigation into the matter. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, wrote on X that federal law prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against patrons based on race, religion, or national origin.
“These actions are not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal,” Ms. Dhillon said. “The Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation and will bring an enforcement action if warranted.”
Legal experts noted it is unclear on what basis the Justice Department could take enforcement action. While federal and New York state law bar businesses from refusing service on the basis of protected characteristics, including race, religion, and national origin, those protections do not extend to political belief or ideology.
Jewish community leaders were unequivocal in their condemnation. Mark Treyger, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, said the post “absolutely violates New York’s human rights laws that bar discrimination.”
“Assigning collective blame to Jews or perceived supporters of Israel over disagreements with Middle East policies is the very definition of antisemitism,” Mr. Treyger 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.”
Mark Goldfeder, director of the National Advocacy Jewish Center, said the shop’s reference to AIPAC “gave the game away” as to the owners’ conspiratorial leanings.
“They put a huge amount of Jewish people on notice that they are not welcome,” Mr. Goldfeder said. “It’s not just about Dan Goldman. It puts a lot of Jews on edge.”
A Poetica staff member, asked about the incident, declined further comment, saying only: “We stand against genocide.”
Mr. Goldman describes himself as a “proud Zionist and steadfast supporter” of Israel. He received campaign donations totaling nearly $195,000 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and affiliated groups during the current election cycle, though a spokeswoman said he has not taken direct AIPAC donations in the current period.
The controversy erupted the day before Mr. Goldman was set to face former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in a closely watched Democratic primary. Mr. Lander, who has aligned himself with liberal Democrats, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was leading in polls heading into the vote. Mr. Lander said there are “plenty of ways to lobby elected officials and express outrage at the votes they’ve taken without turning coffee shops into places people don’t feel welcome.”
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