Jewish Groups Condemn Philadelphia Business Boycott

Anti-Israel groups are organizing a ‘boycott ride’ targeting restaurants in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Jewish organizations have urged city and state leaders to denounce the event planned for November 8.

Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo, and Philly Solidarity Calendar have distributed a flyer promoting the bicycle boycott. The event targets businesses labeled as Zionist-owned, including Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s, and Mac Mart.

Ride around Rittenhouse with us as we show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are,

Philly Bike On Your Left stated on Instagram. This plan has drawn strong objections from Jewish groups and political leaders.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia, American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern NJ, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and StandWithUs issued a joint statement. They described the planned boycott as straightforward antisemitism. These organizations have called on local leaders to condemn the event.

The statement emphasized that free speech protects political discourse but not threats, harassment, or discrimination. It highlighted the profound difference between criticizing governmental policies and targeting businesses based on the owners’ ethnic or political affiliations.

Notably, the event’s timing coincides with the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a historically significant attack on Jewish sites by the Nazis.

Philadelphia and Pennsylvania officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, have released statements condemning the upcoming event. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker shared remarks through Renee Chenault-Fattah, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. The statement emphasized a longstanding commitment to combat racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.

Acts of bigotry, violence, and hate cannot be tolerated,

the statement said, reaffirming an inclusive community stance.

Governor Josh Shapiro echoed similar sentiments. He assured the Jewish communities of proactive measures to secure Philadelphia. The Shapiro Administration is aware of this planned protest and is working with local authorities to ensure safety, explained Shapiro’s spokesperson, Rosie Lapowsky.

The event, described by the governor as blatant antisemitism, aims to intimidate Jewish businesses. Shapiro affirmed there is no place for such actions in the state.

Despite the planned boycott, targeted businesses have reported overwhelming support from their communities. Mac Mart owner Marti Lieberman expressed gratitude to the community for its support.

We are feeling the love from this community, and we don’t take a single order, kind message, or person showing up for us for granted,

Lieberman stated, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by business owners.

Yehuda Sichel, owner of Huda, defended his Jewish identity and criticized the boycott. Recalling his family’s history, he noted the timing’s personal impact, aligning with Kristallnacht’s anniversary.

I’m proud to be Jewish and supportive of Israel. Neither should make my business a target,

Sichel told Fox News Digital, reaffirming the importance of inclusivity.

Fox News Digital contacted event organizers Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza and Boycott CookNSolo for comments but did not receive an immediate response.