Former Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) used his concession speech Tuesday night to deliver a warning about rising anti-Semitism, arguing that prejudice against Jews could ultimately undermine the foundations of American democracy.
Goldman’s remarks came just hours after he lost New York’s Democratic primary and only days after becoming the focus of a national controversy involving a New York City coffee shop that publicly denounced him for his views on Israel.
The outgoing congressman told supporters that Americans should remember the historic role Jewish Americans have played in advancing civil rights and social justice causes throughout the country’s history.
“Jews have been at the forefront of every single civil rights issue for the past century,” Goldman said. “And Jews have given back so much to this country.”
He then warned that anti-Semitic rhetoric and stereotypes pose a broader threat to the nation.
“As history has taught us, Anti-Semitic tropes and stereotypes — some of which I heard personally on this campaign — will ultimately be the undoing of our democracy if we all don’t lean in and speak out, even if it’s not politically expedient,” Goldman said.
The comments followed a hard-fought primary contest that Politico characterized as a referendum on the candidates’ differences regarding Israel.
Goldman was defeated by Brad Lander, New York City’s former comptroller. Lander had argued that American support for Israel made the United States “complicit in genocide,” while Goldman rejected the characterization that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks should be labeled genocide.
Lander received support from New York City Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and will now move forward in his effort to represent New York’s 10th Congressional District, which includes portions of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Goldman had represented the district since 2023.
The loss came amid intense public attention surrounding Goldman’s dispute with Poetica, a New York City coffee shop that announced it would no longer welcome him as a customer.
The controversy erupted after Poetica published an Instagram post calling Goldman a “genocide enabler” and revealing that it had refunded a coffee purchase he made at the business. The post included a photograph of Goldman and declared that the store did not serve “racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between.”
The coffee shop also suggested Goldman’s money was not welcome and concluded by telling him not to return.
The episode drew widespread attention, particularly because Poetica’s website promotes what it describes as “radical hospitality” and states that its doors are open to everyone.
Goldman addressed the controversy during an appearance on CNN Monday night, expressing surprise at the business’s public condemnation.
According to Goldman, his interaction inside the store had been entirely positive. He said a hijab-wearing employee had been exceptionally kind, allowing his daughter to use the restroom and treating his family warmly. Goldman said he responded by purchasing a coffee and leaving what he described as a large tip.
“I honestly was so grateful for her kindness,” Goldman said.
He added that the store’s social media attack was “diametrically opposed” to the humanity and generosity he experienced during the visit.
Despite the election loss, Goldman urged Democrats to avoid internal divisions and remember what he believes should be the party’s primary focus.
He argued that Democrats have historically been strongest when welcoming a broad coalition of viewpoints and perspectives.
Goldman concluded by warning supporters that the party’s real political opponent remains outside its ranks, pointing to President Trump and the MAGA movement. He said they would continue challenging institutions, norms, values, and constitutional principles that he believes define the nation.
His concession speech ultimately combined a defense of pluralism within the Democratic Party with a broader warning that political disagreements—particularly those involving Israel and anti-Semitism—risk becoming deeper cultural and ideological fractures if left unaddressed.
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