PARK SLOPE — The Park Slope Food Co-op faces allegations of antisemitic and anti-Zionist harassment, according to U.S. Rep. Richie Torres of the Bronx, who is demanding an investigation.
The co-op, where only members can shop in exchange for working regular shifts, has long been known for political activism – and internal turmoil. After the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, a large group of members formed a coalition in favor of boycotting Israeli products; the group, the Park Slope Food Co-op Members for Palestine, states their purpose as “not supporting an apartheid government and unfolding genocide.”
While previous attempts at boycotting Israel failed to garner majority support, some members say these conversations are now crossing the line. Alleged incidents include a member calling an anti-boycott Jewish colleague a “Nazi” and yelling “Sieg Heil,” and another claiming a Jewish worker smelled “of Palestinian blood,” according to the New York Post.
Jewish co-op member Ramon Maislen’s complaint to the state Human Rights Commission details these events, noting no action was taken.
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