A Seismic Election Hits June 24—At the Park Slope Food Coop
On June 4, an urgent call to action echoed through the inboxes of approximately 17,000 members of the Park Slope Food Coop (PSFC). Joe Holtz, the co-op’s general manager and co-founder, wielded his words like a clarion call, painting a poignant picture of an institution at a crossroads. The issues? A proposed shift to allow virtual attendance at the co-op’s monthly general meetings and, even more controversially, a potential boycott of Israeli products. These topics have become inextricably linked in the wake of recent geopolitical upheaval.
The Stakes of the Upcoming Election
Holtz’s message was clear: "This election could shape the future of our Coop." He didn’t just rally support for the co-op; he cautioned against voting for Dan Kaminsky and Taylor Pate, candidates aligned with the PSFC Members for Palestine, a group pushing for the boycott. He emphasized that the co-op had thrived on shared labor and community involvement, a unique institution where nearly 17,000 people come together to keep prices down and support local farms.
A Call for Focused Leadership
"We need Board members who prioritize the health and function of the Coop," Holtz urged. He voiced concerns that the candidate’s agenda would detract from the co-op’s mission, which he believes is to run a thriving store rather than pursue external political agendas. Holtz elaborated on what he termed a potential "BDS takeover", warning that with hybrid meetings on the table, the threshold for a boycott could drop from 75% to a mere 51%, fundamentally altering the co-op’s traditions.
Yet, just hours after Holtz pressed send, members at PSFC would receive a ballot allowing them to vote on reinstating these hybrid meetings—a move born from the pandemic but steeped in controversy. The results from both votes—hybrid meetings and the new board of directors—would be revealed at the co-op’s monthly meeting on June 24.
Voices from Both Sides
For supporters of PSFC Members for Palestine, like board member Tess Brown-Lavoie, Holtz’s email was more than just a political maneuver; it was an "anti-democratic slap to the face." She likened Holtz’s opposition to a McCarthyist crusade, suggesting that it stifled the democratic process the co-op was built on.
"There’s a heated, all-consuming battle for the co-op’s soul," one that has manifested through vibrant canvassing efforts, emotional discussions at meetings, and online debates. For many, the PSFC is not just a grocery store; it’s a reflection of deeply held values—a battleground for expressing support against what they perceive as injustice or, conversely, projecting their sentiments on the potential shadow of antisemitism.
The Broader Implications
As tensions rise, this conflict has captured the attention of New York’s elected officials. The potential ramifications of how the PSFC grapples with these issues could set a worrying precedent for silencing pro-Palestinian political voices, impacting far beyond the aisles of the grocery store.
The upcoming election will reveal not just the preferences of co-op members but also the values that will guide the PSFC in uncertain times. Will it continue to be a community hub for shared beliefs, or will external pressures redefine its mission?
As the clock ticks toward June 24, the question looms: What future will the Park Slope Food Coop carve out amid conflicting ideologies?
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