New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded Tuesday to criticism of a Brooklyn coffee shop that refused service to Rep. Dan Goldman over his views on Israel. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the chain. Goldman, facing a primary election, said the incident reflected a sad state of affairs.
Poetica Coffee, which operates seven locations in New York City, posted on social media over the weekend that it does not serve “genocide enablers.” The post addressed Goldman directly after he visited a Brooklyn location with his daughter.
Owner Parviz Mukhamadkulov defended the action on Monday, stating that the shop reserves the right not to serve those who support genocide. Mukhamadkulov has previously compared Israel to Nazi Germany and made other statements critical of Israel.
Mamdani said he disagrees with Goldman on Israel policy but added that the online response went beyond political disagreement. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into possible discrimination based on religion or national origin.
Goldman described a positive interaction with staff at the shop and said the episode did not reflect the New York City he knows.
