Story perspectives

Park Slope Coop Bans Israeli Products, Faces Antisemitism Criticism

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 27, 2026, two-thirds of Park Slope Food Coop members voted to ban nine Israeli products, its first BDS-style boycott.
Members lowered the approval threshold from a 75% supermajority to a simple 51% majority, a change that passed 68% to 31% and led to increased security staff and an online meeting due to safety concerns.
U.S. Representative Dan Goldman condemned the boycott as an antisemitic shift targeting American Jews.

History

Historical Context

In July 2005, 171 Palestinian NGOs launched the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, modeled on the anti-apartheid campaign. By 2020 the Palestinian Campaign for Academic and Cultural Boycott coordinated over 1,500 actions in 70 countries, a momentum that inspired the Park Slope Food Coop’s 68%-31% vote to ban nine Israeli products. Congressman Dan Goldman’s criticism highlights growing U.S. legislative scrutiny of such local boycotts.

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Story summary

On May 27, 2026, two-thirds of Park Slope Food Coop members voted to ban nine Israeli products, its first BDS-style boycott.
Members lowered the approval threshold from a 75% supermajority to a simple 51% majority, a change that passed 68% to 31% and led to increased security staff and an online meeting due to safety concerns.
U.S. Representative Dan Goldman condemned the boycott as an antisemitic shift targeting American Jews.

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