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Park Slope Food Coop Considers Boycott On Israeli Products

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg is taking a clear stand in the proposed boycott of Israeli goods by members of the Park Slope Food Coop.

"Israel is one of the few friends that America has that is dependable and represents everything that America stands for," Bloomberg said on Monday.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports

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Those in favor of the ban on Israeli products say it's a protest against what they see as an occupation of Palestinian territories.

"Why any of those has anything to do with selling food, I don't know," Bloomberg said. "We should be encouraging Israel to have more business with us and us with them, not discouraging it."

Members of the Park Slope Food Coop will vote on whether to hold a referendum on the boycott Tuesday at its monthly meeting which will be held at the Brooklyn Technical High School at 7 pm.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reports

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If the referendum proposal is shot down, the co-op can continue to sell Israeli food products. However, if approved, the issue would be decided through a mail-order referendum which would be sent out to the group's 16,000 members.

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