Protesters targeted six businesses as Jewish groups mobilized supporters and condemned the campaign as antisemitic.
By Shula Rosen
An anti-Israel boycott targeting Jewish- and Israeli-owned restaurants in Philadelphia on Sunday drew an estimated 5,000 customers to the businesses instead, as approximately 1,000 counterprotesters rallied against the demonstration, which resulted in three arrests.
Organized by Philly Bike on Your Left, a self-described “anti-fascist, anti-Zionist social cycling collective,” the protest called for a boycott of Goldie, Dizengoff, K’Far Café, Huda, Mac Mart and Schlesinger’s.
Promotional materials declared, “No business for Zionists! These Zionist Establishments must go! Not in our city!”
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) and local Jewish organizations encouraged residents to patronize the restaurants. Customers formed long lines outside several establishments, purchasing gift cards when food sold out.
At Huda, owner Yehuda Sichel said customers arrived in large numbers to express solidarity. Sichel, whose grandfather survived the Holocaust and witnessed Kristallnacht, believes his restaurant was targeted because he helped raise money for Israeli children affected by the October 7 massacre.
“I didn’t send it to any military,” Sichel said. “I’m an American. I’m a Jew. I’m a proud supporter of the Israeli cause but that does not mean I’m in the government over there.”
The November 8 demonstration coincided with the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, when Nazi mobs attacked Jewish communities across Germany and Austria.
Organizers denied deliberately choosing the date and maintained that their objections concerned support for Israel rather than Jewish identity.
Police separated opposing demonstrators, making three arrests involving assault, disorderly conduct and assault on an officer, according to Philadelphia’s ABC6. JBN reporter Eddie Hammer also reported being assaulted.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the boycott as “designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities,” while Sen. John Fetterman called it a “sick parade of rank antisemitism.”
The boycott ride ended early, with organizers citing safety concerns.
The National Jewish Advocacy Center requested police protection and raised concerns about another ride announced for November 15. Meanwhile, JewBelong placed billboards at 14 Philadelphia locations encouraging residents to oppose the boycott.
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