Dozens of protesters gathered outside Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn on Wednesday following the shop’s public refusal to serve a pro-Israel politician and the emergence of its owner’s social media posts that drew comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. The demonstration led to clashes between opposing groups until the New York Police Department intervened to separate them.
Chants of “end Jew hatred” and “this shall not stand” were met by a smaller group of counter-protesters, including rabbis from Jews United Against Zionism, who waved Palestinian flags and criticized Israel. The confrontation escalated on the sidewalk, with participants shouting at each other before police cordoned off the area. Police made no arrests during the demonstration.
Poetica Coffee had posted a photo of New York Representative Dan Goldman, criticizing him for purchasing coffee at their establishment over the weekend. The shop's online statement asserted they do not serve individuals described as "racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between." This incident prompted the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to open an investigation into the coffee shop.
Parviz Mukhamadkulov, the founder of Poetica Coffee, has faced criticism for previous LinkedIn posts, including one that stated, "Israel is the Nazi Germany of our time." Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss of Jews United Against Zionism expressed support for the coffee shop’s actions, stating that steps taken against the "unjust occupation and genocide" are "terrific."
Pro-Israel supporters, including Daniel Rosen, president of the IMPACT organization, expressed indignation, particularly at Mayor Zohran Mamdani's perceived silence on the matter. Rosen stated that there would be an organized response to similar acts of antisemitism, indicating a commitment to holding businesses accountable.
Demonstrators participating in the #EndJewHatred rally voiced concerns about the spread of antisemitism. Jayne Zirkle, director of communications for End Jew Hatred, emphasized the responsibility to speak out against hatred, stating, "Jew hatred has no place in our society." Michelle Ahdoot, director of End Jew Hatred, called the coffee shop’s actions a violation of civil rights, asserting that New Yorkers should not have to pass an "Israel loyalty test" to be served.
Descendants of Holocaust survivors present at the protest drew parallels between the current situation and historical events. Stephianie Benshimol, a Brooklyn native, warned that such incidents were reminiscent of the beginnings in Nazi Germany. Another protester, Brian Chenesky, compared the incident to Kristallnacht and expressed fear for the safety of New Yorkers and their children.
The protests concluded after several hours, with the coffee shop remaining open for business.