Planned 'Boycott Ride' Targeting Jewish-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia Draws Condemnation from Mayor and Governor

Jewish organizations on Monday called on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania leaders to condemn an upcoming 'boycott ride' targeting pro-Israel and 'Zionist establishments' in Philadelphia.

The organizations Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo and Philly Solidarity Calendar shared a flier promoting the bicycle boycott event at Rittenhouse Square on Nov. 8.

Philly Bike On Your Left wrote on Instagram: 'Ride around Rittenhouse with us as we show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.'

The flier included the names of Philadelphia businesses — Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger's and Mac Mart — all owned by either Israeli or Jewish Americans.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia, the American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern NJ, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and StandWithUs released a joint statement condemning the event as 'Jew-Hatred, plain and simple' and called on city and state leadership to do the same.

The joint statement read: 'Free speech protects political expression and criticism of Israeli government policies. It does not provide a license for threats, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. There is a profound difference between criticizing a government and targeting businesses because their owners are Jewish or perceived to be connected to Israel.'

The organizations also noted that the boycott's scheduled date would fall on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi-organized attack on Jewish homes, synagogues and businesses in Germany and Austria.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's office pointed to remarks shared Tuesday by Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) Executive Director Renee Chenault-Fattah. The statement said the commission reaffirms its 75-year commitment to fighting racism, antisemitism and, in recent years, Islamophobia; that acts of bigotry, violence and hate cannot be tolerated; and that it will never stand by and allow businesses, individuals or jobs to be run out of the city.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also issued a statement condemning the event and assuring Jewish communities that his administration was working with authorities ahead of Sunday. Spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky said the administration is aware of the planned protest and the Pennsylvania State Police is engaged with local partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of neighbours in Philadelphia. In her words, the bike ride, masquerading as a protest to advance the cause of justice, is nothing more than blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of the communities, and there is no place for that in the Commonwealth.

Ahead of the planned boycott, some targeted businesses reported receiving broad support from the public. Mac Mart owner Marti Lieberman said it is 'heartbreaking' to have to defend her business, but she hoped the attention would shed light on what other small-business owners are facing. 'We are absolutely feeling the love from this community, and we don't take a single order, kind message, or person showing up for us for granted,' she said. Mac Mart, she added, was built to feed people, make them feel welcome, and send them off a little happier than when they arrived — and everyone is still welcome at their window.

Huda owner Yehuda Sichel defended his Jewish heritage and pledged to stand against the boycott. 'I'm proud to be Jewish and supportive of Israel. Neither should make my business a target,' he said. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, he said, seeing Jewish businesses targeted on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary is deeply personal. Since the boycott was announced, he said, they have received nothing but positive support, with people coming in to patronize the business in response; their doors are open to everyone, and they are not going anywhere.

Two of the groups promoting the event, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza and Boycott CookNSolo, were asked for comment but did not immediately respond.