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Park Slope Food Coop Approves Boycott of Israeli Products

Lowering the boycott threshold, the coop held a remote vote for safety, with opponents signaling legal challenges, warning of member departures.

Overview

  • The coop’s membership voted to remove roughly nine Israeli-made items after a high-turnout, Zoom-only meeting that drew about 7,000 participants Tuesday night.
  • Members first approved a rules change that reduced the approval requirement for product boycotts from a 75% supermajority to a simple majority, a move that took effect immediately before the boycott vote.
  • The boycott resolution passed by about two-thirds to one-third of votes and directs the coop to stop selling specific Israeli products until Israel complies with international law as described by supporters.
  • Jewish members reported harassment and intimidation during the campaign, a longtime member filed a 2024 human-rights complaint, and coordinators moved the meeting online citing explicit safety concerns.
  • Coverage has split between outlets emphasizing safety and allegations of antisemitism and others framing the vote as a political statement; the outcome threatens legal challenges, possible member exits, and wider local fallout.