A popular Brooklyn coffee shop sparked controversy after asking pro-Israel Congressman Dan Goldman to leave the establishment and refunding the $9.82 he had spent on a cup of coffee, claiming that the business does not serve “supporters of genocide.”

The incident involved Poetikā, a Brooklyn café that later published a social media post featuring Goldman’s photograph. The post included a mocking caption suggesting that he was unable to distinguish the “taste of genocide juice,” and stated that the café does not serve racists or fascists. Management further claimed that had they recognized Goldman before he entered, they would not have allowed him inside.

The episode occurred on the eve of the Democratic primary election in New York’s 10th Congressional District, where Goldman is facing a challenge from former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Responding to the incident, Goldman said he was saddened by what had occurred and emphasized that the barista working at the café had been kind to both him and his seven-year-old daughter. According to Goldman, the employee even allowed his daughter to use the restroom despite the family not having made a purchase.

Goldman said he later bought a coffee as a gesture of appreciation and hoped the employee would receive the tip he left. Café employees, however, maintained that they oppose what they described as genocide.

Goldman is widely known for serving as lead counsel for Democrats during the first impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. His primary opponent, Lander, is considered a political ally of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The congressional race has featured sharp disagreements over Israel. During the campaign, Lander has criticized Goldman’s positions regarding the Jewish state, while Goldman has argued that his support for Israel is rooted in his identity as both a Jew and a Zionist.

Following widespread publicity surrounding the incident, reports indicated that the café received threats. The business subsequently removed its Instagram account.