A recent community meeting at the Park Slope Food Coop, a longstanding institution known for its progressive values, took a disconcerting turn when a member made inflammatory remarks regarding Jewish people. The incident occurred during a discussion on a proposed boycott of Israeli goods, a topic that has increasingly polarized the coop’s membership.
The chaos began when a member, identified as Michael Huarachi, made a statement comparing Jews to Nazis and claiming that “Jewish supremacism is a problem in this country.” These comments elicited applause from a substantial portion of the audience, which reportedly included around 50 attendees present in the meeting room. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense, with many expressing shock at the blatant antisemitism displayed. Longtime member Ramon Maislen, who has been part of the coop for over a decade, was particularly vocal in his condemnation, stating, “Applauding a speech that labels Jews as supremacists is not principled. It is wrong.” His remarks prompted a moment of silence, indicating the gravity of the situation, as he confronted a crowd that had initially responded positively to Huarachi’s statements.
The monthly meeting was ostensibly convened to discuss whether the coop should lower the voting threshold required for a boycott from 75% to a simple majority of 51%. This adjustment would facilitate the implementation of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israeli products, a cause that has gained traction among certain factions within the coop. However, the discussion quickly devolved into a broader political debate, with antisemitic rhetoric overshadowing the initial agenda.
Barbara Mazor, a coop member since 1989 and a current board candidate, voiced her concerns that the environment has shifted dramatically. “It’s just, let’s get our Jew hate on,” she remarked, reflecting on how the boycott campaign has transformed the coop into a contentious political arena. This sentiment was echoed by other members, who expressed disappointment over the moderators’ failure to intervene during Huarachi’s remarks. Their response, limited to a request for no applause, was seen as inadequate by those who felt the urgency of the situation warranted stronger action.
The backlash from the Jewish community within the coop has been significant. Maislen, alongside other Jewish members, has raised concerns about harassment faced by those opposing the boycott calls. In a formal complaint filed with New York State’s Division of Human Rights, he detailed incidents where Jewish members were subjected to hostile confrontations. One alarming account involved a member being called a “Nazi” while attempting to discuss the boycott with passersby, culminating in an individual shouting “Sieg Heil” as they walked away.
The coop, established in 1973 and comprising approximately 16,000 members, operates on a cooperative model where members work shifts in exchange for discounts and a voice in store policies. However, the recent developments indicate that the discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine has become a divisive issue, fracturing the community’s collaborative spirit. A member who wished to remain anonymous highlighted that tensions have been simmering since 2012, fundamentally altering the cooperative ethos that once prioritized positivity and productivity.
Interestingly, the BDS movement itself has gained momentum in recent years, often supported by grassroots organizations advocating for Palestinian rights. A faction within the coop, the PSFC Members for Palestine, maintains that their stance is rooted in a commitment to international law and equality. They argue that the coop should avoid products sourced from Israel until discriminatory practices cease, framing their position as a moral imperative.
Despite the challenges, some members, like Mazor, express a desire for a more harmonious future for both Israelis and Palestinians. She emphasizes that the coop should be a place for shopping, not a battleground for political ideologies. “There are roads to coexistence, and this BDS effort is very misguided and prolongs the conflict,” she asserted, underscoring a hope for dialogue over division.
As the Park Slope Food Coop grapples with these internal conflicts, the incident serves as a microcosm of broader societal tensions. It raises critical questions about the intersection of activism, community values, and the responsibilities of organizations to foster an inclusive environment. For members like Maislen, the unfolding situation reflects a troubling trend within the coop, revealing an agenda that, in his view, lacks a genuine commitment to peace and understanding. The need for constructive dialogue has never been more pressing, as the coop navigates the complexities of its identity amidst a charged political landscape.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
