Jews Harassed, Called Nazis, and Worse at Brooklyn Grocery
“Smelled of Palestinian Blood”: Chilling Anti-Semitic Remark at Brooklyn Co-op Sparks Outrage
Tensions are escalating at a well-known Brooklyn grocery co-op amid accusations of discrimination and harassment against a specific community. A high-profile lawmaker is now demanding official action following disturbing reports tied to internal conflicts and ideological divisions.
A Brooklyn food co-op has come under fire for allegedly fostering a hostile and discriminatory environment toward Jewish members and supporters of Israel, prompting calls for a formal investigation from U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY). The Park Slope Food Co-op, a member-run grocery collective with roughly 16,000 members, is facing serious accusations of antisemitism following several incidents that occurred in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
In a letter sent to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, Rep. Torres condemned what he described as “an insidious pattern of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination” at the co-op. He urged the New York State Division of Human Rights and the NYC Commission on Human Rights to launch a comprehensive investigation. “Anti-discrimination laws must be rigorously and impartially enforced without exception,” Torres wrote.
According to a New York Post report, the co-op has allegedly become a breeding ground for anti-Semitic behavior. Following the Hamas attacks, tensions within the co-op escalated as some members attempted to oust Jewish colleagues and lobbied for a boycott of Israeli goods. Those opposing the boycott were reportedly labeled “Nazis,” and one Jewish member was targeted with the phrase “Sieg Heil” by a fellow shopper.
Perhaps the most disturbing allegation involves a Jewish woman being told she “smelled of Palestinian blood,” alongside false accusations that Israelis celebrated acts of violence. Flyers accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza were also distributed at the store.
A complaint filed with the state Human Rights Commission by member Ramon Maislen details the harassment.
Mayor Adams’ office responded to the growing controversy, with spokesperson Sophia Askari stating: “Far too often, we see anti-Semitic propaganda masquerading as activism… Jewish people are being harassed simply for being Jewish.”
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