NY-10: Primary foes Goldman, Lander unite against Park Slope Food Coop Israel boycott

Rep. Dan Goldman and former city Comptroller Brad Lander are locked in a contentious Democratic primary for Congress, with one key policy difference centering on aid to Israel.

But when it comes to a possible local boycott of Israeli products at the Park Slope Food Coop, the two rivals agree: Don’t do it.

Lander and Goldman’s stance has frustrated progressive, politically engaged members of the co-op — a substantial source of potential votes in the race for the district covering Lower Manhattan and part of Brooklyn. Other co-op members have lamented how politics and Israel have seeped into so many aspects of daily life, including a trip to the collectively run grocery store. Some worry members may quit the co-op over the outcome of the vote, dividing the store that prides itself on welcoming anyone willing to contribute their labor.

“I’m very disappointed because I really can’t see any politician or any American citizen in good conscience not really pushing for us to pull out of the financial support of Israeli violence in Gaza and abroad,” said Idris Merchant, 37, who added that he plans to vote for Lander despite his position on the boycott.




https://gothamist.com/news/primary-foes-goldman-lander-unite-against-park-slope-food-coop-israel-boycott