Anti-Israel protesters block entrance to Santa Fe Starbucks

A group of 10 individuals recently picketed outside a Starbucks in New Mexico’s capital, protesting the coffee giant’s legal actions against employees who voiced support for the Hamas-led “Palestinians,” first brought on by an X post from the union “Workers United,” which stood with the Hamas terrorists — damaging the reputation of the coffee company. 

This incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions following the egregious October invasion of Israel by Hamas, an organization widely recognized as a terrorist group for its violent actions against Israeli civilians.

The protesters donned traditional keffiyehs and bore signs advocating for a union, and the viciously anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, aimed to impede the morning rush by obstructing access to the Starbucks location on the corner of Santa Fe’s Cerillos Road and St. Francis Drive, as reported by one far-left source. Their actions cast a shadow on the complex and nuanced nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly the relentless terror campaigns waged by Hamas against Israeli citizens.

Critics argue that such demonstrations risk oversimplifying the intricate Israeli-Hamas conflict and lending support to entities like Hamas, whose tactics and goals starkly contrast with the pursuit of peace and coexistence. The BDS movement, which the protesters align with, has been criticized for its one-sided approach and potential to exacerbate divisions rather than foster dialogue.

The legal tussle between Starbucks, a leftist company, and its employees over public statements concerning the Israeli-Hamas conflict underscores the broader challenge of navigating corporate responsibility and employee rights in politically charged environments. 

According to a report from CNN: 

“We unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism, hate and violence, and disagree with the statements and views expressed by Workers United and its members,” Starbucks said in a post. “Workers United’s words and actions belong to them, and them alone,” the company added.

Starbucks also filed a lawsuit against the union, alleging trademark infringement and demanding the union stop using its name and logos. The association with the union was damaging its reputation and putting its workers in harm’s way, Starbucks said.

While Starbucks has not been officially boycotted by the BDS National Committee, grassroots campaigns have emerged, reacting to the company’s legal stance against employees’ political expressions.

The confrontation at the Santa Fe Starbucks, marked by both support and backlash from the public, highlights the polarizing nature of the Israeli-Hamas discourse, especially when transposed onto unrelated platforms like coffee shops.