Philadelphia and Pennsylvania officials have publicly condemned a planned “boycott ride” that targets businesses owned by Jewish or Israeli Americans. The event, organized by groups including Philly Bike On Your Left and Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, is set for Nov. 8 at Rittenhouse Square.
Organizers’ flyer sparks outrage
The flyer lists several local establishments—Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s and Mac Mart—as targets, describing the owners in inflammatory language. One Instagram post from Philly Bike On Your Left says, “Ride around Rittenhouse with us as we show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.” The Anti‑Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and StandWithUs called the language “Jew‑Hatred, plain and simple” and urged city and state leaders to speak out.
Mayor and commission respond
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office cited remarks from Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Executive Director Renee Chenault‑Fattah, emphasizing the city’s 75‑year commitment to fighting racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia. “Acts of bigotry, violence and hate cannot be tolerated, and we will never stand by and allow businesses, individuals or jobs to be run out of our city, full stop,” the statement read.
Governor Shapiro joins condemnation
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, through spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky, warned that the Pennsylvania State Police are working with local partners to protect the community. “This bike ride, masquerading as a protest to advance the cause of justice, is nothing more than blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities,” the governor’s office said.
Targeted businesses receive community support
Owners of the listed businesses reported an outpouring of goodwill. Mac Mart owner Marti Lieberman described the situation as “heartbreaking” but noted that many customers have shown up to support the shop. “We are absolutely feeling the love from this community,” she said. Huda owner Yehuda Sichel, a grandson of Holocaust survivors, expressed pride in his heritage and affirmed that his doors remain open to everyone.
Background and timing
The organizers scheduled the ride on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a Nazi‑organized pogrom against Jewish homes and businesses in 1938. Critics argue the timing is a deliberate provocation, while the organizers claim it is a protest against Israeli government policies.
Philadelphia officials have pledged heightened security for the event and continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stand against hate and support local businesses.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
