Pro-Israel Supporters Flock to Philadelphia Restaurants Targeted by Boycott

Hundreds of pro-Israel supporters gathered at six Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood on Sunday to express solidarity with the business owners. The demonstration was a response to an anti-Israel boycott campaign organized by activists who accused the establishments of having ties to Israel. The boycott, promoted by anti-Zionist groups under the slogan "No Business with Zionists," called for the restaurants' removal from the city. Approximately dozens of activists from the group Philly Bike On Your Left participated in the initial protest, cycling through the neighborhood while some wore masks or keffiyehs and carried Palestinian flags. In response, supporters of Israel lined the route, waving Israeli and American flags and showing their support for the restaurant owners. Some held signs stating "Jew hatred is against American values" and "I am not a Jew whose knees are shaking." Videos from the event showed counter-protesters on sidewalks shouting at the cyclists. The Israeli American Council (IAC), which encouraged the public to patronize the restaurants, praised the large turnout and the community's support for businesses targeted for being Jewish-owned or pro-Israel. The IAC stated on social media, "Long lines. Israeli and American flags. A community standing with businesses that have been targeted because they are Jewish-owned or support Israel. 'Never Again' means standing up on the ground, in Philadelphia and beyond. Not just today, but all year round. We will not be intimidated."