Philadelphia officials are speaking out against a planned boycott of several Jewish-owned restaurants scheduled for Nov. 8, 2026. The boycott, organized by a group calling itself “Philly Bike On Your Left,” targets establishments in the Rittenhouse Square area, labeling them as “Zionist” and urging participants to “boycott the boycott ride.”
Billboards push back against the boycott
In response, the nonprofit JewBelong erected billboards at 14 locations across the city with the message, “Running over Jewish businesses isn’t a peace plan,” and a call to “boycott the boycott ride” of the targeted restaurants. The campaign seeks to rally community support for the businesses and to reject the hateful rhetoric behind the planned action.
Restaurants slated for the boycott
The group plans to target Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s, and Dizengoff. The timing coincides with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 anti‑Jewish pogrom in Nazi‑occupied Europe, adding a painful historical resonance to the planned protest.
Officials condemn the effort
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker took to social media to denounce the boycott, describing it as “antisemitic” and “unacceptable” in a city that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday echoed the mayor’s sentiment, calling the plan “a dangerous attempt to intimidate a religious community.” District Attorney Larry Krasner also issued a statement condemning the boycott as hateful and contrary to the city’s values.
Baseball legend and Philadelphia native Reggie Jackson added his voice, posting on X that the boycott reminded him of the racism he faced in the 1960s. He urged Philadelphians to stand against all forms of hatred.
Impact of antisemitism in Pennsylvania
The Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) reported 465 antisemitic incidents across Pennsylvania in 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year. Of those, 189 occurred in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County. Incidents ranged from harassment to vandalism, underscoring a growing concern for the safety of Jewish residents.
A 2025 survey of Jewish Americans found that 79% were worried about antisemitism, and 52% feared for their personal safety because of their identity. Nearly half reported taking steps to increase security at home and in public spaces.
Community response and calls to action
The ADL launched a pledge encouraging people to dine at the targeted restaurants and other Jewish-owned establishments, stating, “We refuse to let hate win.” The organization described the boycott as an attempt to intimidate a community that has faced generations of violence and exclusion.
In an Instagram statement, the organizers of Philly Bike On Your Left claimed the ride had been “grossly misrepresented” and affirmed their opposition to “racism and oppression of all forms, including fascism, antisemitism, islamophobia and colonialism.” Nonetheless, local leaders and community members continue to stress that hateful actions have no place in Philadelphia.
Why the boycott matters
Beyond the immediate impact on the restaurants, the planned boycott highlights broader concerns about hate speech and the need for vigilant community leadership. When officials speak plainly and consistently against antisemitism, they reinforce the city’s commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of faith or background.
Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods have long been a model of coexistence, and the swift condemnation from city leaders serves as a reminder that hate must be confronted wherever it appears.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
