US gov’t investigates New York coffee chain over ban on pro-Israel lawmaker
Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating a New York coffee chain that publicly said it would not serve Democratic Representative Dan Goldman because of his support for Israel. The coffee chain posted on social media that Goldman was not welcome after he visited their store, prompting a civil rights probe into potential illegal discrimination.Key Facts
- The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into Poetica Coffee, a chain with seven locations in New York.
- Poetica Coffee posted on social media that Representative Dan Goldman, a supporter of Israel, was not welcome at their stores.
- The coffee chain called Goldman a racist and other negative terms, and refunded his $9.82 purchase.
- Harmeet K. Dhillon, a Justice Department top civil rights official appointed by President Donald Trump, said the actions may be illegal.
- Goldman said he does not want the coffee shop investigated and prefers efforts focus on fighting anti-Semitism against less prominent people.
- U.S. laws protect people from service denial based on characteristics like race and religion but not on political beliefs or opinions.
- Goldman supports Israel, rejects accusations of genocide by Israel, and has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies.
- Goldman is facing a primary election challenge from a candidate critical of Israel and has received significant donations from pro-Israel groups.
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