The Park Slope Food Co-op faces a contentious Tuesday vote on boycotting Israeli products, splitting the 17,000-member cooperative. Security measures including hired guards and check-in stations were added after threats and suspicious mail. The boycott would affect fewer than a dozen products, including tahini and certain produce.

Members have clashed over this issue for years, with tensions escalating beyond normal disagreement into verbal confrontations and physical altercations. Some view it as a local manifestation of the B.D.S. movement, while others see it as unnecessary politicization of their grocery shopping experience. The debate has dominated co-op meetings, sidelining other operational concerns.

The co-op has a history of boycotts targeting Colorado, Chile, and other entities over social justice issues. Rabbi Rachel Timoner and other leaders oppose the boycott, calling it potentially aligned with antisemitic forces. The Brandeis Center demanded protection for Jewish members, stating they shouldn't have to choose between local food and safety.

This dispute reflects broader national divisions over Middle East policies playing out in local communities. The outcome will test whether the co-op can maintain its progressive identity while preserving member unity.