Brooklyn Food Coop Faces Legal Challenge After Members Approve Israel-Related Boycott

NEW YORK (VINnews) – A Brooklyn food cooperative is facing a discrimination complaint after members voted to remove Israeli-made products from store shelves.

Jeffrey Lax, a law professor at the City University of New York and founder of SAFE Campus, announced he filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights challenging the decision by the Park Slope Food Coop.

Lax argued the policy unfairly targets Israel while the cooperative continues selling goods connected to other countries accused of human rights abuses. He said the action may violate New York anti-discrimination laws involving national origin.

The cooperative’s membership approved the measure during a virtual meeting this week after a heated debate among members. Supporters described the vote as part of a broader political campaign involving Israel, while critics said the move unfairly isolates Jewish and Israeli businesses.

The controversy has also drawn scrutiny from the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. Chairman Kenneth Marcus criticized the boycott effort and said the group is examining possible legal responses.