One day before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the cycling group Philly Bike on Your Left organized protests targeting Jewish-owned restaurants and businesses in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. The group called for a boycott and the closure of six businesses, labeling them as “Zionist” establishments.
Thankfully, Ynet reports that hundreds of pro-Israel counter protesters gathered outside the targeted businesses, waving Israeli flags and holding signs calling for an end to Jew-hatred.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker have condemned the boycott.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in a statement Sunday thanked the city’s residents for coming out in support of the businesses and the Jewish community. “Greater Philadelphia, you showed up today, and we’re grateful. Today was a beautiful reminder of the strength, resilience and solidarity of our community. Jewish joy is contagious. Community is our strength. And Greater Philadelphia shows us what it means to stand together.”
Philadelphia attorney Daniel Markind said in an op-ed published today by The Times of Israel, “On Sunday, November 8, as the ride approached at noon, City dwellers turned Rittenhouse Square into an Israeli Street Festival. Lines spread out-the-door of some of the ‘boycotted’ restaurants, and Israeli music blared into the square. On the streets, hundreds of Israeli flags were passed out, Israeli memorabilia was sold and Israeli pride was honored.”
Credit is also due to the Philadelphia Police Department, whose officers worked to prevent tensions from escalating. Three people were arrested during the demonstrations: a teenager and a woman for assault, and a man for disorderly conduct. The cycling protest was ultimately cut short, as the demonstrators failed to intimidate the Jewish and pro-Israel supporters who had gathered in solidarity. However, the group is reportedly planning another protest of the same nature next Sunday.
The Fellowship stands with the Jewish community and its supporters in Philadelphia, who have demonstrated that they will not remain silent in the face of hatred and persecution against God’s people. We pray for the targeted businesses and the families who run them, and we thank God for the bold show of solidarity on behalf of Israel and her people, which reinforces the enduring lesson of Kristallnacht: We must never turn a blind eye to anti-Semitism.