The Park Slope Food Co-op voted Tuesday night to boycott products from Israel, with 67% of members supporting the measure after years of debate within the Brooklyn institution.

The neighborhood co-op has been around since 1973, with more than 17,000 members who work there in exchange for shopping access.

“I advocate for the nonviolent resistance towards the liberation of Palestine through boycotting Israeli products,” member Sarah Wellington said.

What You Need To Know

67% of the Park Slope Food Co-Op voted in favor of boycotting goods from Israel

The neighborhood institution has been around since 1973, with more than 17 thousand members who work there in exchange for shopping access

Members say there have been calls within the group to boycott Israeli products since 2009

The Park Slope Food Co-op said it currently carries only a few products from Israel, including Ecolove shampoo and conditioner and Al Arz tahini.

“When I see Israeli products stocked on the shelves, even though I’m not buying them, I’m disturbed by the fact that I know that my labor and my money is going toward the purchase of goods from a country that is committing genocide and overseeing apartheid,” said Gabriel Young, a member of the co-op and Park Slope Food Co-op for Palestine.

“Although this is just one block in central Brooklyn, this co-op can set an example that can spread to other cooperatives, other institutions, to universities and labor unions,” Young said.

The co-op has boycotted goods from places like apartheid South Africa and Chile in the past.

Members said there have been calls within the group to boycott Israeli products since 2009. The movement gained momentum in 2023 after the war in Gaza began following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

“I think supporting Israel right now is a no-brainer thing not to do,” member Chase Madar said.

But not everyone agrees.

“I think it’s a little performative. I think it’s a little ridiculous. Is the world going to change because people buy hummus from a co-op?” said another member who declined to give his name.

“I really don’t understand how boycotting Israeli products is going to move forward their agenda,” said Patrick McMulty.

A representative for the co-op said the debate over the boycott has been contentious and emotionally charged. The co-op hired security because of concerns about staff and member safety.

“They’re in your face and they let you know where they stand, and you’re just like, ‘Hey man, I’m just here to shop,’” said Greg Selig, with Co-op for Unity.