Controversy at Poetica Coffee: Refunding Rep. Dan Goldman and the Debate on Hospitality and Political Beliefs
A coffee shop in Brooklyn, Poetica Coffee, made headlines for refunding pro-Israel Rep. Dan Goldman for his purchase, citing that they do not serve "genocide enablers." The shop posted a message on Facebook calling out Goldman's support for Israel and accusing the nation of genocide against Palestinians. Poetica Coffee stated that they do not serve racists, fascists, homophobes, or genocide enablers, and issued a refund to Goldman, claiming they do not need his money. The incident occurred as Goldman faces a tough Democratic primary challenge from former city Comptroller Brad Lander.
The post from Poetica Coffee received backlash from Jewish New Yorkers and others who pointed out the contradiction with the shop's supposed ethos of hospitality, as stated on its website. The shop's mission statement emphasizes welcoming guests with unconditional dignity and treating them with respect. However, the incident involving Rep. Dan Goldman raised questions about the shop's commitment to its stated values.
Jewish civil rights lawyer Rory Lancman criticized Poetica Coffee for using the term "AIPAC" as a slur against a Jewish public official, suggesting it was a coded anti-Semitic dog-whistle. Despite the shop's claims of being open to everyone, Lancman highlighted the discriminatory nature of their actions towards individuals with opposing opinions, particularly those who support Israel.
The staff at Poetica Coffee declined to comment on the incident when approached for a response. The shop's refusal to engage in dialogue about the situation further fueled the controversy surrounding their decision to refund Rep. Dan Goldman. The incident at Poetica Coffee serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding political beliefs and the impact they can have on interactions within public spaces.