Philadelphia Pro-Palestinian Boycott Rally Canceled Amid Backlash
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Pro-Palestinian organizers in Philadelphia canceled a planned boycott rally targeting Jewish-owned restaurants after facing significant backlash during a previous demonstration. The initial protest on November 8 drew hundreds of counter-protesters and local supporters of the businesses. Organizers cited threats and violence for the cancellation, while local Jewish groups welcomed the decision but warned the boycott campaign continues. Mayor Parker and Governor Shapiro condemned the boycott calls as antisemitic.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pro-Palestinian organizers canceled a Philadelphia boycott rally targeting Jewish-owned restaurants.
- The initial November 8 protest faced hundreds of counter-protesters and local support for businesses.
- Organizers cited threats and violence from pro-Israel supporters for the cancellation.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomed the cancellation but warned the boycott continues.
- Philadelphia Mayor and Pennsylvania Governor condemned the boycott as antisemitic.
Organizers of a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Philadelphia, which called for boycotting businesses owned by Jews and Israelis, have announced the cancellation of a planned follow-up rally. The initial protest, held on November 8, targeted six restaurants and cafes, including Goldie, Dizengoff, and K'Far, all owned by Israeli-American chef Michael Solomonov's restaurant group. The protest occurred on the eve of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogroms against Jews in Germany.
The first demonstration saw approximately 300 pro-Palestinian activists, including 200 cyclists, facing off against about 200 counter-protesters. Hundreds of local residents also showed up at the targeted restaurants to express support for their owners. Following this significant local resistance, the organizers, identified as the Philly Bike on Your Left movement, cited receiving death threats, harassment, and violence from pro-Israel supporters as reasons for canceling the second event, though they provided no evidence for these claims.
Despite the cancellation of the physical rally, the movement stated it remains committed to its boycott campaign. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomed the rally's cancellation but cautioned that the campaign against Jewish businesses is ongoing. In response, the federation plans to hold its own cycling event on November 15 to support Jewish entrepreneurs and Israel.
Both Philadelphia Mayor Sherrell Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have condemned the calls for boycotting businesses based on their owners' Jewish identity. Shapiro explicitly labeled such actions as antisemitic.
Mentioned
