Brooklyn Food Co-op Votes To Boycott Israeli Products

BROOKLYN, NY— Members of the Park Slope Food Co-op voted to boycott Israeli products, approving the measure by a margin of 67 percent in favor and 31 percent opposed, with 2 percent abstaining.

The decision followed years of internal debate that intensified during Israel’s war in Gaza.

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The measure calls for the co-op to boycott goods produced in Israel and Israeli products made in the occupied Palestinian territories “until Israel abides by international law, including by ending discriminatory treatment of Palestinians in any territory under Israel’s control.”

Supporters framed the vote as a political and ethical action tied to the co-op’s consumer practices and mission.

“Voting yes on this boycott is voting against genocide, voting against apartheid and voting yes to getting our co-op back on the right side of history," Alyce Barr, a longtime member and boycott supporter, told attendees.

Opponents argued the campaign carried broader implications for the community and Jewish members.

Rabbi Rachel Timoner, who helped lead opposition efforts, said in a sermon, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement sought the "elimination of Israel.”

“This was a really sad night for a lot of Jews in Park Slope," Timoner said.

The meeting drew thousands of participants online, with co-op management reporting about 8,400 people registered to attend.

Tensions surrounding the debate prompted the co-op to increase security after receiving threats and suspicious packages, according to management.

The co-op’s general manager said staff had preferred a referendum-style vote rather than a direct meeting vote. The decision was made after a session marked by procedural disputes, including a move to end discussion before all speakers were heard.

Following the approval, some members signaled departures from the organization, while others described the vote as part of a long-running internal struggle over the co-op’s political role in Brooklyn civic life.