Anti-Zionist Jews in Support of Coffee Shop as Demonstration Sparks on Antisemitism accusations

Counter-protesters express solidarity with the business, reject accusations of antisemitism

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a delegation of anti-Zionist Jews gathered outside Pottery Coffee Shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, to hold a counter-protest in response to a Zionist demonstration against the business.

The controversy began after the owners of the coffee shop refused to process an order from Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman. According to the owners and their supporters, the decision reflected their sympathy for the people of Gaza and Palestine and their opposition to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza . Supporters described the action as a peaceful expression of conscience and solidarity with those who are suffering in the conflict.

Earlier that morning, a group of Zionist protesters assembled outside the coffee shop, demanding that the business be shut down. They accused the owners of antisemitism, claiming that refusing the congressman’s order amounted to discrimination against Jews.

Supporters of the coffee shop rejected those accusations, arguing that the decision was based on Congressman Goldman’s political positions and support for Israeli government policies, not on his Jewish identity. They maintained that the protest was directed at political actions rather than at Jews as a people or Judaism as a religion.

Across the street, anti-Zionist Jews gathered to express solidarity with the coffee shop and its decision. They carried signs, spoke with members of the public and the media, and emphasized that opposition to Zionism should not be confused with antisemitism.

Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss addressed reporters during the counter-protest, praising the coffee shop owners for the principled stand. He rejected the accusations of antisemitism made by the Zionist demonstrators and stated that criticism of Zionism and opposition to the policies of the State of Israel do not constitute hatred of Jews. He argued that many observant Jews oppose Zionism on religious and moral grounds and believe they have an obligation to speak out for justice and peace.

As a gesture of support, members of the anti-Zionist Jewish delegation entered the coffee shop and donated money to help provide discounts for customers. They said the donation was intended to thank the owners for their actions and to encourage others to support businesses acting according to their conscience.

One of the videos circled on social media is a video captured and was later broadcast by Fox News. The footage showed heated confrontations between Zionist protesters and anti-Zionist Jewish rabbis.

In one exchange, a Zionist protester was heard telling a rabbi, “You should be killed.” In another, a woman directed the remark, “Your mouth has very bad breath,” toward one of the rabbis. Supporters of the anti-Zionist delegation said that the incidents is a examples of harassment directed at Jewish religious leaders because of their anti-Zionist views.