Baseball Legend Reggie Jackson Condemns Philadelphia Anti-Israel ‘Bicycle Boycott’; Compares It to 1960s Racism

Citing Anti-Defamation League figures, Jackson noted that Pennsylvania recorded 465 antisemitic incidents in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023.

By Shula Rosen

Reggie Jackson condemned rising antisemitism in the Philadelphia area in a post on X, calling on elected officials to denounce anti-Jewish hatred and comparing the hostility facing Jewish Americans to the racial discrimination he experienced during the 1960s.

Jackson, a legendary Major League Baseball outfielder who won five World Series championships and hit 563 career home runs over his 21-season career, earned the iconic nickname “Mr. October” for his spectacular hitting performances during the postseason.

Jackson, who was born in Wyncote, near Philadelphia, expressed anger over antisemitism in the community where he grew up.

“It is heartbreaking to see antisemitism in my hometown,” he wrote, adding that it made him “angry and ashamed to see hatred tolerated there.”

He was referring to the organized ‘bicycle boycott” of Jewish and Israel-linked businesses in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Citing Anti-Defamation League figures, Jackson noted that Pennsylvania recorded 465 antisemitic incidents in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023.

Philadelphia accounted for 189 incidents, while Montgomery County recorded 51. The reports covered harassment, vandalism and assault, although not every incident constituted a criminal offense.

Jackson also highlighted the psychological consequences of antisemitism, citing a 2025 survey in which 79% of Jewish Americans expressed concern about anti-Jewish hatred. Another 52% reported fearing for their personal safety because of their identity, while nearly half had taken additional security precautions.

He referenced research linking exposure to hatred with poorer psychological well-being, increased negative stereotyping and diminished trust between communities.

Recalling segregation in the American South, Jackson described signs denying Black Americans service and separate facilities designated for white and Black people, including bathrooms and drinking fountains. He also recalled explicitly racist signs bearing the words “no niggers”.

“I remember what that hatred looked and felt like. We cannot accept it in any form, directed at any people,” he wrote.

Jackson expressed support for demonstrators opposing hatred and challenged Philadelphia’s political leadership to respond more forcefully.

“Where are the clear statements condemning antisemitism?” he asked, warning that tolerating hateful rhetoric could normalize hostility and intensify fear and division.

“Leaders should speak plainly and consistently: antisemitism and hate have no place in our communities,” he wrote.

Jackson concluded with an appeal for public action: “What the hell? We have to speak up.”