Brooklyn Cafe Says It Would Have Turned Away Pro-Israel Jewish Congressman

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into a Brooklyn coffee shop after it said it would have turned away Jewish, pro-Israel Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman over his support for Israel.

Poetica Coffee, a Brooklyn cafe chain, posted a photo of Goldman at one of its locations and said it had refunded his $9.82 purchase. The case quickly moved beyond a social media controversy after federal officials said public accommodations, including coffee shops, may not discriminate against customers based on race, religion or national origin.

“Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee,” the shop wrote in a now-deleted social media post. “Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice? Or are you still having a hard time telling the difference?”

The post continued: “See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between. Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away.”

The cafe also tied Goldman to AIPAC, writing: “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.”

Goldman responded by saying the visit began when his 7-year-old daughter needed to use the restroom. He said the barista allowed them in before they bought anything, and that he later purchased a coffee out of courtesy.

“I am sorry to see this post,” Goldman said. “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.”

“I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness,” he added. “I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department was aware of the incident and had opened an investigation.

“Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race, religion, or national origin,” Dhillon said. “These actions are not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal.”

Jewish communal leaders said the post went beyond criticism of Goldman’s political positions. Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, said the cafe’s message raised legal and moral concerns.

“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,” Treyger said.

Mark Goldfeder, director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, said the reference to AIPAC placed many Jewish customers on notice that they could be unwelcome if they were perceived as pro-Israel.

The post also drew attention because Poetica’s own website says that “whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity.”

Goldman is facing a Democratic primary challenge from former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Despite running against him, Lander said the cafe crossed the line.

“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,” Lander said.

Poetica staff later declined to comment beyond saying, “We stand against genocide.” The post was removed, but the federal investigation remains open.