Hundreds of counterprotesters waving Israeli flags and holding signs condemning antisemitism turned out in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square on Sunday morning in response to a bicycle "boycott ride" targeting businesses the organizers said were owned by supporters of Israel.
The ride, organized by the group Philly Bike On Your Left, which describes itself as anti-Zionist, targeted six Jewish-owned businesses in the Center City neighborhood: Dizengoff, Goldie, K'Far Cafe, Huda, Schlesinger's Deli and Mac Mart. The group announced the ride on October 30, saying the owners supported Israel.
The protest fell on the day before the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the November 9-10, 1938 Nazi-organized attacks in which synagogues were burned and Jewish-owned businesses and homes were vandalized across Germany and Austria.
Counterprotesters lined both sides of the street for blocks, and supporters packed the targeted restaurants, with lines stretching out the door. The Philadelphia Police Department said three people were arrested, no property damage was reported, and all demonstrators had dispersed just after 1 p.m. ET.
State and local leaders widely condemned the ride. Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker called the boycott an antisemitic act, and Gov. Josh Shapiro's office called it "blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities." The Anti-Defamation League had urged people to patronize the targeted restaurants, and the nonprofit JewBelong put up billboards across the city reading "Running over Jewish businesses isn't a peace plan."
The group behind the ride claims the event has been "grossly misrepresented" and says the timing, on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary, was a coincidence. Organizers have said a second ride is planned for next Sunday, according to 6abc.
