New York lawmaker says it’s ‘sad’ that a cafe banned him over his pro-Israel views

New York Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman stated it is "sad" that Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn banned him following his visit due to his pro-Israel views. The cafe posted on social media that they do not serve individuals they deem "genocide enablers," referencing Goldman's stance and his primary opponent's criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. The U.S. Justice Department's civil rights division, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, has announced an investigation into Poetica Coffee, citing federal law prohibiting discrimination by public accommodations. Goldman suggested the department's resources might be better used investigating antisemitism against less public figures. The cafe's social media post, which has since been deleted, also mentioned a refund and referenced AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into Poetica Coffee, a New York-based cafe chain. The probe was initiated after the chain publicly stated it would not serve Democratic U.S. Representative Dan Goldman due to his support for Israel. Harmeet K. Dhillon, the top civil rights prosecutor at the Justice Department, announced the investigation, stating such actions could be illegal. Poetica Coffee made its declaration on social media following Goldman's visit to one of its Brooklyn locations, accompanying the statement with a picture of him and accusing him of enabling genocide. The cafe chain also stated they refunded Goldman's purchase and asked him not to return.