Photo: U.S. Navy/Sylvie Carafiol
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned a planned November 8 bicycle boycott of Jewish-owned restaurants, joining Pennsylvania’s governor, both U.S. senators and other elected officials as police prepare to monitor the demonstration around Rittenhouse Square.
The protest, organized by Philly Bike On Your Left, names six restaurants: Mac Mart, K’Far Cafe, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s and Dizengoff, NBC10 Philadelphia reported Thursday. Local Jewish organizations are urging residents to support the businesses.
Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce responds
Duvi Honig, Founder / CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, called the boycott a “Kristallnacht of the business,” saying it singles out Jews for being Jews. He said it should be illegal and organizers should be held accountable under the law, comparing the targeting of Jewish businesses to Germany around the Holocaust. He said America knows better and should not let organizers manipulate democracy by calling it freedom of speech.
“By them scheduling it the night before Kristallnacht, they know exactly what they’re doing. The message is crystal clear, sparkling clear. You don’t even have to read in between the lines. They want to burn the Jews, they want to destroy the Jews, they want to expel the Jews, and they want to violate us. It’s the biggest message of hate,” Honig said.
“The whole concept of freedom of speech is to protect religion and religious people and give Jews a safe haven, not to attack them for being Jewish,” he said.
“Philadelphia must be a city where everyone can live, work, and operate a business without intimidation or discrimination. HATE HAS NO HOME IN PHILADELPHIA,” said David Kushner, Ambassador, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia.
Officials across both parties condemn targeting businesses
“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and express their political views,” Parker said. “But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s office called the ride “blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities,” CNN reported. Sunday said the event singled out Pennsylvanians because of their Jewish identity for policies they had no ability to affect.
Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators, Republican Dave McCormick and Democrat John Fetterman, also condemned the planned ride in statements reported by Jewish Insider on November 3. McCormick called it antisemitic and said his office would monitor the situation and assist where it could. Fetterman expressed solidarity with Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses and Philadelphia’s Jewish community.
Rep. Brendan Boyle, state Rep. Amen Brown and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson were among others condemning the targeting of Jewish-owned businesses, Jewish Insider reported Thursday. Johnson called the timing especially troubling and warned about the consequences of allowing antisemitism and hatred to go unchecked.
State Rep. Dan Frankel and state Sen. Judy Schwank, co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Jewish Caucus, called the event “an attack on the diversity and rich cultural landscape that makes Center City so beloved in our state,” CBS Philadelphia reported.
State Rep. Ben Waxman said decisions about foreign policy are made in Washington, “not in the kitchens of Center City restaurants,” according to City & State Pennsylvania. He urged demonstrators to take their demands to officials with power to act.
Police prepare for Sunday demonstration
Parker said she had directed an increased police presence ahead of Sunday’s rally, according to Jewish Insider. She directed police to monitor the demonstration to protect businesses, residents and houses of worship, PhillyVoice reported. A Philadelphia police spokesperson said the department would “take appropriate measures to maintain public safety.”
Shapiro spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky said Pennsylvania State Police were engaged with local partners on community safety, Jewish Insider reported. Parker said police would be on hand to maintain safety and order and that anyone engaging in threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct would be held accountable.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce urged calm: “Everyone is urged to remain peaceful. Do not engage with protesters or agitators. Keep interactions calm, respectful, and productive.”
Community groups urge support for restaurants
Philly Bike On Your Left promoted the boycott through a social-media flyer posted October 31. The group describes itself as an anti-Zionist cycling collective and says the ride is intended to show solidarity with Palestinians.
The ride is scheduled for the day before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the November 9-10, 1938 Nazi attacks on Jewish communities, businesses and synagogues.
The Anti-Defamation League urged people to dine at the named businesses and other Jewish-owned restaurants, NBC10 reported. The local Jewish Community Relations Council is organizing a Friday lunch at one of the targeted restaurants with local leaders to demonstrate solidarity, according to Jewish Insider.
JBizNews Desk | Philadelphia
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