Department of Justice Investigates New York Coffee Shop After Banning Member of Congress

美國司法部調查紐約咖啡店 禁入國會議員

Jun 23, 2026, 21:00
USPolitics

Introduction

The United States Department of Justice has started an investigation into Poetica Coffee, a business in Brooklyn. This action follows the shop's decision to publicly ban Representative Dan Goldman from its premises because of his political views regarding Israel.

美國司法部已開始對位於布魯克林的 Poetica Coffee 展開調查。此行動源於該店決定公開禁止國會議員 Dan Goldman 進入，原因是其對以色列的政治觀點。

Main Body

The conflict began when Poetica Coffee posted security images of Representative Goldman on social media and stated that he was no longer welcome. The shop called the lawmaker a 'genocide enabler' and claimed they issued a refund for his purchase to avoid taking money linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). However, Representative Goldman emphasized that he had a friendly conversation with a staff member during his visit, asserting that the public attack was completely different from the actual encounter. He further argued that linking Jewish identity with the policies of the Israeli government helps increase antisemitism.

衝突始於 Poetica Coffee 在社交媒體上貼出國會議員 Goldman 的監視影像，並聲明他不再受到歡迎。該店稱這位議員為「種族滅絕的幫兇」，並聲稱已退還其消費款項，以避免收取與美國以色列公共事務委員會 (AIPAC) 相關的資金。然而，Goldman 議員強調他在造訪期間與一名店員進行了友好的交談，主張這次公開攻擊與實際接觸的情況截然不同。他進一步認為，將猶太身份與以色列政府的政策掛鉤，有助於增加反猶太主義。

This event happened during a tense Democratic primary election for New York's 10th congressional district. Representative Goldman, who describes himself as a liberal Zionist, is running against former City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has called Israel's military actions in Gaza a genocide. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has supported Mr. Lander and has been criticized for not condemning the coffee shop's actions, while also describing AIPAC as an organization that maintains an immoral status quo.

此事件發生在紐約第10國會選區緊張的民主黨初選期間。Goldman 議員自稱為自由主義錫安主義者，正與前市審計長 Brad Lander 競爭，後者將以色列在加薩的軍事行動稱為種族滅絕。市長 Zohran Mamdani 支持 Lander 先生，但因未譴責咖啡店的行為而受到批評，同時他也將 AIPAC 描述為一個維持不道德現狀的組織。

Responses from officials have been divided. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that federal law prevents public businesses from discriminating against customers based on race, religion, or national origin; consequently, the denial of service may be a legal violation. On the other hand, Representative Goldman suggested that federal resources should be used to investigate antisemitism against people who do not have his public influence. Additionally, reports show that the shop's owner, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, owes significant state taxes and has several health code violations regarding pests and sewage.

官員們的反應不一。助理總檢察長 Harmeet Dhillon 表示，聯邦法律禁止公共企業根據種族、宗教或國籍歧視顧客；因此，拒絕服務可能構成法律違規。另一方面，Goldman 議員建議聯邦資源應被用於調查那些沒有他這般公共影響力且遭受反猶太主義對待的人。此外，報告顯示該店老闆 Parviz Mukhamadkulov 欠繳巨額州稅，且在害蟲與污水處理方面有數項違反衛生法規的紀錄。

Conclusion

The Department of Justice is continuing its probe into possible civil rights violations, while the political race in New York's 10th district remains focused on different views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

司法部將繼續調查是否違反民權法，而紐約第10選區的政治競選則仍集中在對以巴衝突的不同看法上。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Breaking the 'Simple Sentence' Habit

At the A2 level, you likely say: "The shop banned the man. He was a politician. The shop owner owes taxes."

To reach B2, you need to stop treating ideas like separate LEGO bricks and start weaving them together. This is called Complex Sentence Integration.

Look at this goldmine from the text:

*"The Department of Justice is continuing its probe into possible civil rights violations, while the political race in New York's 10th district remains focused on different views..."

🧠 The Magic of "While"

In A2, you use "while" for time (I eat while I watch TV). In B2, "while" is a power-tool for contrast. It allows you to present two simultaneous truths that are different or opposing.

The Formula: [Fact A] + , while + [Opposing Fact B]

Let's upgrade your speech:

  • A2 Style: The coffee shop is popular. It has pests and sewage problems.
  • B2 Style: The coffee shop is popular, while it simultaneously suffers from health code violations.

🛠️ Expanding Your Connective Tissue

B2 fluency is about transition words that show the logic of your argument. The article uses three distinct types:

  1. The Result Bridge: Consequently (Example: He broke the law; consequently, he was arrested.) Use this instead of always saying "so".

  2. The Contrast Pivot: On the other hand (Example: The shop claims it is political; on the other hand, the law prohibits discrimination.) Use this to show you have considered two sides of a story.

  3. The Information Add-on: Additionally (Example: The owner is under investigation; additionally, he owes taxes.) Use this instead of starting every sentence with "And".

💡 Pro-Tip: The "Asserting" Shift

Notice the word "asserting" in the text. A2 students use "saying" for everything. B2 students use Reporting Verbs to show the intent of the speaker:

  • Saying →\rightarrow Neutral
  • Asserting →\rightarrow Confident/Strong
  • Claiming →\rightarrow Not yet proven
  • Emphasizing →\rightarrow Highlighting importance

Vocabulary Learning

premises (n.)
A house or building, together with its land and outbuildings, offered for sale, hire, or used for a particular purpose.
Example:Smoking is strictly prohibited on the school premises.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The manager emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the meeting.
asserting (v.)
Stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:She continued asserting her innocence despite the evidence presented.
condemning (v.)
Expressing complete disapproval of; typically in public.
Example:World leaders are condemning the violent attack on the embassy.
status quo (n.)
The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example:Many people want to change the status quo to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth.
discriminating (v.)
Treating a person or group unfairly based on their race, gender, age, or other characteristics.
Example:The company was sued for discriminating against older employees during the hiring process.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The weather was terrible; consequently, the outdoor concert was cancelled.
probe (n.)
A thorough investigation into a crime or a serious problem.
Example:The government has launched a probe into the cause of the plane crash.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→
Department of Justice Investigates New York Coffee Shop After Banning Member of Congress (B2) - A2Z News | A2Z News