Park Slope Food Coop Approves Boycott of Israeli Products

On May 26, 2026, a virtual meeting of the Park Slope Food Coop saw about 7,000 of its 16,000 members vote. A 68 % vote lowered the boycott threshold to a majority, and a 67 % vote approved a boycott of nine Israeli-origin items—winter bell peppers, persimmons, olive oil, sesame/tahini, Dorot herb cubes and Osem Bamba—until Israel complies with international law.

The Jerusalem Post

The coop’s charter cites over 20 past boycotts, including campaigns against apartheid South Africa and Pinochet’s Chile. The Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the Gaza war revived the issue, prompting the 2024 PSFC Members for Palestine proposal and the formation of the anti-BDS group Coop4Unity.

The Guardian

Pro-boycott leaders include longtime member Alyce Barr and PSFC Members for Palestine. Opponents comprise Rep. Dan Goldman, former Comptroller Brad Lander, JCRC CEO Mark Treyger, Congregation Beth Elohim Rabbi Rachel Timoner, and anti-BDS coalition Coop4Unity. General manager Joe Szladek oversaw the vote.

The Jerusalem Post

Szladek’s email said the coop is committed to discourse but cited threats, suspicious substances and hostile posts, leading to security. Goldman called boycott antisemitic, saying it shifts blame to American Jews. Lander, not a member, would vote against it. Treyger urged investigation of antisemitic remarks, and Timoner called the dispute a “proxy war” dividing the neighborhood.

The Guardian

Jewish members reported an atmosphere, citing verbal abuse, a flipped table and antisemitic slurs. Member Greg Selig called the environment “an assault.” The coop condemned homophobic and misogynist remarks and noted letters and suspicious substances sent to the building.

The Guardian

The New York Times says the boycott affects “a small number of goods,” while the JTA lists nine specific items, creating a product-count discrepancy. Vote percentages appear as 68 % for the threshold change and 67 % for the boycott itself. No independent verification of alleged antisemitic comments is available.

The Guardian

• “Our co-op has a long and proud tradition of more than 20 boycotts,” — Alyce Barr, co-op member and boycott sponsor

The Guardian

• “Everyone is free to criticize the Israeli government, which I do not hesitate to do, but joining a movement that was founded on the principle of the elimination of Israel will have no impact on the Israeli government or the Israeli economy,” — Rep. Dan Goldman

The Jerusalem Post

• “The co-op has always been a place for open discussion, including difficult and strongly held views across deep divides, but that discussion must remain grounded in civil discourse,” — Joe Szladek, co-op general manager

The Guardian

• “Perhaps even more important is the political statement - the moral statement that's made which sends a message around the country, around the world,” — Mitty Owens, co-op member

ABC7 New York

The coop will keep heightened security for future meetings and monitor online harassment. Coop4Unity’s state human-rights complaint may trigger an investigation, while the boycott’s impact on suppliers and on the NY-10 Democratic primary—where Goldman and Lander have taken opposite stances—will be watched.

The Jerusalem Post