Community Rallies in Support of Jewish Businesses Targeted by Boycott
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Hundreds of Israeli-Americans and local Jews rallied in Philadelphia on Sunday to support six businesses targeted by an anti-Israel boycott, which coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht. The Israeli-American Council (IAC) organized the solidarity event, with supporters patronizing the businesses and displaying Israeli and American flags. The IAC vowed to stand against antisemitism and urged continued support for the targeted businesses, noting similar efforts in New York and Los Angeles since October 7th.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hundreds rallied in Philadelphia to support Jewish businesses targeted by an anti-Israel boycott.
- The boycott coincided with the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a historical pogrom against Jews.
- The Israeli-American Council (IAC) organized the solidarity event to counter the boycott.
- Supporters patronized the targeted businesses and displayed Israeli and American flags.
- The IAC vowed to stand against antisemitism and urged continued community support.
- Similar IAC support events have occurred in New York and Los Angeles since October 7th.
Hundreds of Israeli-Americans and local Jews gathered in Philadelphia on Sunday to support six businesses targeted by an organized boycott from anti-Israel groups. The boycott coincided with the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a historical pogrom against Jews in Nazi Germany. Activists organized a "boycott ride" cycling event, deliberately routing it past six Jewish and Israeli-owned businesses: Max Mart, Cafe Village, Hoda, Goldie, Dizengoff, and Schlesinger's. The Israeli-American Council (IAC) quickly mobilized a counter-demonstration, turning the day into a powerful display of solidarity. Community members patronized the targeted businesses, ordering food, speaking with owners, and offering support. Supporters stood outside the businesses holding signs and flags of Israel and the United States, presenting a clear message against the hostile activists.
In a strong statement, the IAC declared, "When we heard about a ride taking place on the eve of Kristallnacht, we couldn't help but think of history and tell ourselves: we will not let this happen again. Today we stand together, and we will not let anyone threaten our community. This ride is not directed against a government or policy; its stated goal is to drive out of the city businesses whose owners are Zionists. When people publish a list of Jewish businesses and organize to drive them out of a city, this is a pattern we recognize from history."
The IAC emphasized that the way to defeat boycotts is through consistent, ongoing support, stating, "A boycott works by making Jewish business owners feel isolated and driving away customers. One Sunday of support is a response, but coming every week is the real answer. Today it is our businesses, tomorrow it could be the businesses of any other minority community. It is time to unite to show true solidarity. We will not let hatred divide us."
The IAC urged the Philadelphia community and those across the U.S. to continue patronizing the six businesses throughout the week, either in person or through orders. Since October 7th, the IAC, representing over 150,000 Israeli-Americans in numerous communities and campuses nationwide, has intensified its efforts against antisemitism, including similar support events for businesses in New York and Los Angeles affected by boycott calls due to their support for Israel.
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