Français
Español
English
Portuguese
“Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice?” the post read.
By United with Israel Staff
A popular New York City coffee shop is facing backlash after posting a message targeting Jewish Congressman Dan Goldman, a pro-Israel Democratic lawmaker from New York, following a visit to the establishment with his daughter.
The now-deleted social media post, published by Brooklyn café Poetica, mocked Goldman for supporting Israel and suggested he should have been denied service.
“Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice?” the post read, referencing accusations by anti-Israel activists that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
The message went on to label Goldman a “racist,” “fascist,” and “genocide enabler,” while claiming the café had refunded his purchase and would have turned him away had staff recognized him.
The post also referenced the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), suggesting his money was “probably coming from AIPAC anyways.”
Speaking to CNN, Goldman expressed disappointment over the incident, particularly because his interaction inside the café had been positive.
“I had such a nice interaction with the barista in the coffee shop,” Goldman said. “She was wearing a hijab. I didn’t know her, but she couldn’t have been nicer and allowed my daughter to go use the bathroom, and I honestly was so grateful for her kindness that I felt like I should buy a coffee, and so I did, and I gave her a large tip.”
Goldman said the experience reflected the growing political divisions surrounding Israel.
“It’s a reflection, I think, of a sad state of affairs that without knowing me, we could have had such a nice interaction,” he added.
The controversy comes as Goldman faces a difficult Democratic primary challenge from former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Lander has received support from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has highlighted Goldman’s past backing from AIPAC during the campaign.
Goldman is known as one of the Democratic Party’s more vocal supporters of Israel. He has received support from both AIPAC and J Street, opposed the BDS movement, voted to support Israel following the October 7 attacks, and backed the censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her use of the slogan “From the River to the Sea.”
Goldman has also rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and was among the lawmakers who signed a letter criticizing South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The incident has drawn criticism from Jewish organizations and supporters of Israel, who argue that political disagreements over Israel do not justify refusing service or publicly targeting customers based on their views or Jewish identity.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
