Concerns Raised Over Jewish Member Safety at Park Slope Food Cooperative

A national Jewish civil rights organization is urging the Board of Directors of the Park Slope Food Cooperative to ensure the safety of its Jewish members amid concerns of “intimidation, retaliation, social targeting, and coercive pressure.” This comes as a vote on a proposed boycott of Israeli products approaches.

The situation has escalated recently within the Brooklyn co-op, notably during a general meeting where someone stated that “Jewish supremacy is a problem in this country,” receiving applause from several attendees. This was detailed in a letter from the Brandeis Center issued Wednesday.

Kenneth Marcus, president and CEO of the Brandeis Center, remarked, “Jews should never have to choose between local food and organic food, between their safety and their voice.”

The Center for Human Rights Under the Louis Brandeis Law has argued against moving forward with this boycott proposal, which is set for a vote on May 26.

The Brandeis Center emphasized that if the proposal progresses, left-wing organizations must ensure their Jewish members can participate in discussions without facing intimidation.

One suggestion to foster a safer environment is implementing anonymous voting, which could help protect member identities and not necessitate in-person attendance, especially given the concerning rise in anti-Semitism within co-ops and across New York City.

“A secret referendum not only shields vulnerable members but also fosters broader participation, diminishes coercion, and allows a free expression of views from the entire membership,” noted Omar Vichik, senior counsel at the Brandeis Center.

In response to the growing anti-Semitic sentiment, one member expressed alarm. Ramon Meislen, who joined the co-op fifteen years ago, stated, “I never thought about anti-Semitism within its walls, but now, in 2026, the war in Gaza has caused many members to become aligned with a movement where anti-Semitic rhetoric is prevalent.”

The Park Slope Food Coop has confirmed its intention to proceed with a vote on the boycott of Israeli products, which will follow an initial vote regarding changes to voting rules allowing a simple majority.

Currently, the co-op is utilizing a hybrid format for meetings, accommodating both in-person and virtual attendance. Anne Herpel, the general coordinator, mentioned that over 3,500 members have signed up to participate virtually. Votes during the virtual meetings will be conducted electronically to protect privacy. In-person attendance will be limited based on venue capacity, as most members are expected to join online.

Herpel added that a decision is forthcoming on whether future meetings will be held entirely remotely.

Established in 1973, the Park Slope Food Cooperative requires its approximately 16,000 members to work shifts of 2.75 hours every six weeks in exchange for the right to vote on co-op policies and to access discounted groceries.