Story perspectives

Poetica Coffee Deactivates Instagram After Anti-Jewish Ban Sparks DOJ Probe

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A #EndJewHatred rally protested Poetica Coffee’s Williamsburg location over its anti-Jewish rhetoric.
Poetica banned Rep. Dan Goldman, labeled him a genocide enabler, prompting a DOJ Civil Rights Division investigation.
The shop refunded Goldman’s $9.82 coffee, claimed the money likely came from AIPAC, and reported that Goldman urged the Justice Department to prioritize antisemitism against Jews.
Boycott calls led Poetica to deactivate Instagram while its Facebook page stayed online.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, expanding Title VII remedies, adding jury trials and allowing compensatory and punitive damages after President George H. W. Bush vetoed a broader 1990 bill. The law gave the Justice Department new tools to pursue discrimination, which today underlies its investigation of Poetica Coffee in Williamsburg following Rep. Dan Goldman’s complaint.

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Story summary

A #EndJewHatred rally protested Poetica Coffee’s Williamsburg location over its anti-Jewish rhetoric.
Poetica banned Rep. Dan Goldman, labeled him a genocide enabler, prompting a DOJ Civil Rights Division investigation.
The shop refunded Goldman’s $9.82 coffee, claimed the money likely came from AIPAC, and reported that Goldman urged the Justice Department to prioritize antisemitism against Jews.
Boycott calls led Poetica to deactivate Instagram while its Facebook page stayed online.

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