Philadelphia Jewish Restaurants Targeted by Boycott Ahead of Kristallnacht Anniversary
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
A pro-Palestinian boycott targeting six Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia has sparked outrage and a solidarity movement. The "Boycott Ride" event, scheduled for November 8, the eve of Kristallnacht, has been condemned by officials and Jewish organizations as antisemitic. In response, the community organized a solidarity food tour to support the businesses, which have reported significant positive feedback. Organizers claim their action is against Zionism, not Jews, while police are ensuring safety.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Philadelphia Jewish restaurants targeted by a pro-Palestinian boycott ahead of Kristallnacht anniversary.
- Organizers call the "Boycott Ride" a protest against "Zionist" establishments, not Jews.
- Jewish community and officials condemn the boycott as antisemitic and discriminatory.
- A solidarity food tour and outpouring of support have been organized for the targeted businesses.
- Pennsylvania Attorney General and Philadelphia Mayor have condemned the boycott.
- Police are monitoring the situation to ensure safety for all involved.
A pro-Palestinian demonstration targeting several restaurants owned by Jewish individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has sparked widespread outrage and solidarity. The event, scheduled for Sunday, November 8, on the eve of the Kristallnacht commemoration, has drawn strong condemnation from American political figures and a significant mobilization from the local Jewish community.
The controversy stems from an operation called "Boycott Ride," organized by the pro-Palestinian cycling group Philly Bike On Your Left and other anti-Israel organizations. Participants are encouraged to cycle through the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood to protest six establishments labeled as "Zionist": Huda, K'Far Café, Goldie, Dizengoff, Schlesinger's, and Mac Mart. Promotional materials for the event call for the businesses to leave the neighborhood.
Jewish organizations have denounced the campaign as antisemitic, accusing activists of targeting restaurateurs based on their identity or perceived beliefs. Yehuda Sichel, owner of Huda and grandson of Holocaust survivors, highlighted the painful significance of the November 8 date, preceding the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews. "I am proud to be Jewish and to support Israel. No one should target my business," Sichel told the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS).
In response, the Philadelphia Jewish community organized a solidarity food tour to support the targeted establishments. The event was scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM in front of Huda, coinciding with the planned protest. This initiative has generated substantial support, including numerous orders, messages of encouragement, and donations for meals for those in need. Sichel expressed deep gratitude for the community's support, stating that the businesses would not yield to intimidation. Marti Lieberman, owner of Mac Mart, also reported receiving significant support and decided to open her restaurant on Sunday as a thank you.
The controversy has gained national attention. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned the action as an attempt to intimidate the Jewish community and urged residents to patronize the restaurants. The Zionist Organization of America also called for solidarity with the business owners. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday deemed the initiative particularly concerning due to its proximity to the Kristallnacht anniversary, stating that targeting businesses based on Jewish ownership is a form of discrimination reminiscent of historical antisemitism. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker affirmed that while the right to protest exists, it does not justify targeting businesses due to their owners' Jewish identity.
The boycott organizers maintain they are not antisemitic, asserting their aim is to protest establishments they associate with Zionism and to express solidarity with Palestinians. Philadelphia police are aware of both the planned demonstration and the counter-mobilization and are coordinating with community representatives to ensure the safety of all involved.
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