DOJ Investigates Coffee Shop Ban of Dan Goldman Over Israel Support

Key Points:

• The Justice Department is investigating Poetica Coffee, a New York City chain, for banning Democratic Rep. Daniel Goldman due to his support for Israel, which may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
• Poetica Coffee publicly barred Goldman, calling him a "genocide enabler" and refunding his purchase after he visited their Brooklyn and East Village locations.
• Goldman, who received significant campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee but has pledged to return them, expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing his support for human rights and condemning accusations of genocide.
• The coffee shop's founder faced backlash and negative reviews following the incident, while the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, led by Harmeet Dhillon, stated it would take enforcement action if warranted.
• Goldman urged the Justice Department to focus on investigating antisemitism against less prominent individuals, noting his status as a public figure makes him more able to handle criticism.