Philadelphia Protests Over Boycott of Jewish Restaurants Turn Violent
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Three people were arrested and two police officers lightly injured during clashes in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 8, between anti-Israel protesters and supporters of Jewish restaurants. The "Boycott Ride" protest targeted restaurants owned by Israeli-American chef Michael Solomonov, accusing them of supporting Israel. Hundreds of supporters lined up at the restaurants, leading to confrontations. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned the boycott, while organizers denied antisemitism and announced another protest.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Three people were arrested and two police officers injured during clashes in Philadelphia on November 8.
- An anti-Israel protest called "Boycott Ride" targeted Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia.
- Hundreds of supporters gathered to back the targeted restaurants, leading to confrontations.
- Organizers claimed the protest date, near Kristallnacht anniversary, was coincidental and denied antisemitism.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned the boycott.
- Organizers announced plans for another similar protest the following Sunday.
Clashes erupted in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 8, between participants of an anti-Israel protest and counter-demonstrators supporting Jewish restaurants. The unrest resulted in three arrests and minor injuries to two police officers. The protest, dubbed "Boycott Ride," was organized by the anti-Israel cycling group Philly Bike On Your Left. Protesters called for a boycott of six "Zionist establishments," including Goldie, Dizengoff, and K'Far Cafe, which are owned by the restaurant group of Israeli-American chef Michael Solomonov. Organizers accused the restaurant owners of supporting Israel.
In response, hundreds of residents from Philadelphia and surrounding areas gathered to show support for the targeted restaurants, forming long queues outside the establishments. Israeli flags were visible among the counter-demonstrators. Police intervention to separate the groups was unsuccessful in preventing confrontations.
The three individuals arrested were a 17-year-old suspected of assaulting a police officer, a woman suspected of assault, and a man detained for disorderly conduct. The protest's timing, just before the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9-10, 1938), a series of Nazi-organized pogroms against Jews, drew significant criticism. Organizers claimed the date was a coincidence and denied accusations of antisemitism.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned the boycott. "It is unacceptable to single out businesses because their owners are Jewish, and there is no place for that in our city," stated Mayor Parker. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia expressed gratitude for the widespread support shown to the restaurants and the local Jewish community.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the protest organizers maintained that their action was directed at the political stance of the restaurant owners, not their Jewish identity. They announced plans for a similar protest the following Sunday.
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