The rally falls one day before the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom during which Jewish businesses, homes and synagogues were attacked in Germany.
By Shula Rosen
Jewish organizations and political leaders have condemned a planned anti-Israel bicycle rally in Philadelphia targeting Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses, accusing organizers of antisemitism and attempting to drive Jewish establishments out of the city.
The “Boycott Ride,” scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, at 11:30 a.m., will begin in Rittenhouse Square in Center City. Organizers have identified several businesses as boycott targets, including Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s Delicatessen, Mac Mart, K’Far Cafe and Goldie.
Promotional materials for the event declare “No business for Zionists” and “These Zionist establishments must go.”
Philly Bike On Your Left is organizing the rally alongside Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo and Philly Solidarity Calendar.
Some of the targeted establishments serve Israeli food, while others belong to American Jewish owners whose businesses have no direct connection to Israeli operations.
The timing has also drawn criticism because the rally falls one day before the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom during which Jewish businesses, homes and synagogues were attacked in Germany.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Philadelphia branch, American Jewish Committee’s Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey chapter, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and StandWithUs issued a joint condemnation.
“Let’s be clear: This is antisemitism. It is Jew-Hatred, plain and simple,” the organizations said.
“We will not allow antisemitism to be disguised as activism. We will not accept efforts to intimidate Jewish businesses or drive them out of Philadelphia. And we will not remain silent.”
Pennsylvania’s two US senators, Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dave McCormick, also denounced the planned demonstration.
McCormick called it a “disgusting attempt to intimidate Philadelphia’s Jewish businesses,” drawing comparisons to historical persecution of Jews.
Jewish community organizations have urged Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to condemn the event publicly.
They have also requested police protection for the businesses, employees and customers potentially affected by the demonstration.
Residents have been encouraged to support the targeted establishments by visiting them and making purchases.
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