A Manhattan coffee shop thrust itself into New York's contentious Democratic primary by publicly refusing service to Rep. Dan Goldman, citing his support for Israel just days before voters headed to the polls.
Poetica Coffee posted a harsh message on Instagram targeting the first-term congressman, calling him a "genocide enabler" and declaring he should never return. The post included what appeared to be a surveillance image of Goldman at the register and mocked his pro-Israel position with crude language.
"See, here at Poetica, we don't serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between," the shop wrote, according to screenshots widely shared on social media. "Too bad we didn't recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away."
The barista had been kind to Goldman's 7-year-old daughter, he noted, even allowing her to use the restroom without a purchase. Goldman bought a coffee anyway and urged the shop to ensure the employee received the tip she deserved.
The dustup landed during one of New York's most closely watched primary races. Goldman, a Jewish Democrat, faces former city Comptroller Brad Lander, also Jewish, in a contest that has become a proxy war over Gaza policy. While Goldman has backing from J Street and AIPAC, Lander has enlisted support from progressive heavyweights including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Goldman said he was sorry to see the post but praised the employee's service to his daughter. He has repeatedly denied accepting corporate PAC money from AIPAC, though donor disclosures show he receives contributions from individuals connected to the lobbying group.
In a CNN interview, Goldman said it was "crazy" to be accused of genocide support by someone who doesn't know him. "What is going on in the Middle East is horrific," he said. "Now, I may disagree as to whether or not there's a genocide, but come on, we're better than this."
The incident caught the attention of the Justice Department. Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, announced that the department had opened an investigation and would "bring an enforcement action if warranted," citing potential legal violations.
Goldman pushed back against federal involvement. He told CNN he preferred the DOJ focus resources on investigating antisemitism directed at ordinary citizens without public platforms. "I'm a public figure, and I can accept the criticism," he said.
Poetica Coffee's Instagram account has since been deactivated. The shop's website states it operates by the principle that "whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity." Founder Parviz Mukhamadkulov could not be reached for comment.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "This incident perfectly captures how the Gaza debate has fractures Democratic coalitions in unexpected ways, but using a child's bathroom visit as political theater crosses a line most voters won't forgive."
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