Philadelphia officials have spoken out against a planned boycott of six Jewish-owned restaurants slated for November 8, 2026. The boycott, organized by the cycling collective “Philly Bike On Your Left,” targets establishments the group labels as “Zionist,” including Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s, and Dizengoff.
Local leaders condemn the action
Mayor Cherelle Parker used her social‑media platform to label the boycott as “antisemitic” and urged residents to support the targeted businesses. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday echoed the mayor’s sentiment, describing the effort as “hate that has no place in our city.” District Attorney Larry Krasner also issued a statement condemning the planned protest, emphasizing that intimidation of any community runs counter to Philadelphia’s values.
Community response and national context
Baseball legend and Wyncote native Reggie Jackson added his voice, comparing the boycott to the racism he faced in the 1960s. “It’s heartbreaking to see antisemitism in my hometown,” he wrote on X, urging elected officials to speak plainly against hate.
The Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) responded with a pledge encouraging Philadelphians to dine at the targeted restaurants and other Jewish‑owned establishments. The ADL called the boycott “an attempt to intimidate a Jewish community that has faced generations of violence, exclusion and antisemitism” and affirmed that “hate has no place in our communities.”
Background on rising antisemitic incidents
Recent data from the ADL shows a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across Pennsylvania, with 465 reported in 2024 – an 18% increase over the previous year. Of those, 189 occurred in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County. While not all incidents are classified as crimes, they include harassment, vandalism and assault.
A 2025 survey of Jewish Americans found that 79% were concerned about antisemitism, and 52% worried about personal safety because of their identity. Nearly half reported taking steps to increase security, underscoring the real fear such hate engenders.
Group’s statement and clarification
In an Instagram post, the organizers of the boycott said the ride had been “grossly misrepresented” and asserted that they “stand firmly against racism and oppression of all forms, including fascism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and colonialism.”
Despite this claim, city officials and community leaders stress that targeting businesses based on the owners’ faith is a clear act of hate, not a legitimate protest. They call on all residents to reject intimidation and to support the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
What residents can do
Philadelphia residents are encouraged to visit the threatened restaurants, show solidarity with the Jewish community, and report any hate‑related incidents to local law‑enforcement. The city’s Office of Community Relations has offered resources for those who feel threatened or wish to learn more about combating hate.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
