Poetica Coffee bans Dan Goldman over Israel stance; Mamdani’s tepid reply and DOJ probe

A Brooklyn cafe, Poetica Coffee, publicly refused to serve Rep. Dan Goldman, refunding his $9.82 and posting a message calling him a “racist/fascist/homophobe” in relation to his pro‑Israel views. Mayor Zohran Mamdani offered only a tepid non‑response when pressed about the incident. Goldman, who is facing a primary challenge from Mamdani‑backed Brad Lander, said the episode is shocking and indicative of the climate around Israel. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said it has opened an investigation into the matter and could take enforcement action, underscoring the charged national debate over antisemitism and political disagreements in NYC.