SouthernWorldwide.com – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into a New York City coffee shop following a controversial social media post targeting a pro-Israel politician.
The investigation concerns Poetica Coffee Shop in Brooklyn, as confirmed by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon.
Dhillon stated that the DOJ is aware of the “denial of service taunts” directed at Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York. She emphasized that federal law prohibits public accommodations, including coffee shops, from discriminating against customers based on race, religion, or national origin.
The alleged refusal of service could potentially violate federal anti-discrimination laws, and enforcement action is being considered.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Poetica Coffee addressed an incident involving Representative Goldman and his young daughter. The shop stated that they had issued a refund to Goldman and that they would have refused service had they recognized him earlier.
The post, which has since been removed, read: “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? Or are you still having a hard time telling the difference?” This statement directly referenced Goldman’s support for Israel and accusations of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war.
“See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between,” the post continued. “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.”
In response to the shop’s remarks, Representative Goldman expressed his disappointment in a statement on social media.
“I’m sorry to see this post,” he 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. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”
The coffee shop responded that the decision to refund Goldman’s purchase was the barista’s initiative. The poster also indicated their intention to vote against Goldman, who is facing a primary challenge from former city Comptroller Brad Lander.
A staff member at the coffee shop told the New York Post, “No comment. We stand against genocide.”
The coffee shop’s social media post quickly drew criticism online.
Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, suggested that the incident warrants a review under city and state human rights laws.
“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,” he wrote on X. “If an identifiable Jewish customer walks into a coffee shop wearing a kippah or Magen David, are they expected to first disclose their views on Middle East policy before being served?”
The incident appears to contrast with the stated mission on Poetica Coffee’s website. The owner, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, an Uzbek immigrant who opened his first location in 2020, described the establishment’s philosophy.
“In practice, it looks like a café where the door doesn’t close on anyone, where tea gets poured before anyone asks who you are,” the website states. “The guest is sacred because the act of welcoming is how a community keeps itself intact.”
The shop’s website also asserts 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,” the site further elaborates.
