Anti-Israel organizations are planning a “boycott ride” targeting restaurants in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. The event, scheduled for November 8, aims to boycott businesses described as Zionist-owned. The organizations involved include Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo, and Philly Solidarity Calendar.
The event’s promotional material listed businesses such as Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s, and Mac Mart, owned by Jewish or Israeli Americans. In response, several Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League Philadelphia and the American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern NJ, condemned the boycott as antisemitism and urged leaders to do the same.
The joint statement emphasized the difference between political expression and targeting businesses due to their owners’ heritage. It referred to the boycott as “Jew-hatred, plain and simple,” and highlighted its timing on the eve of Kristallnacht’s 88th anniversary.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania leaders, including Governor Josh Shapiro, issued remarks condemning the protest. Renee Chenault-Fattah, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, reaffirmed the city’s stance against bigotry and hate.
Governor Shapiro’s spokesperson, Rosie Lapowsky, stated that the Pennsylvania State Police is engaged to ensure safety. Shapiro labeled the event as antisemitism disguised as a justice protest, aiming to intimidate and shut down Jewish businesses.
Despite the planned boycott, several targeted businesses report receiving public support. Marti Lieberman, owner of Mac Mart, expressed gratitude for the community’s backing. She hoped the situation would raise awareness of challenges faced by small business owners.
Yehuda Sichel, owner of Huda and a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, also defended his heritage and commitment to openness. Sichel noted positive community support since the boycott announcement.
Attempts to reach out to event organizers, such as Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza and Boycott CookNSolo, received no immediate response.
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