Philadelphia Jewish Groups Condemn Planned Boycott of Israeli Businesses
Jewish organizations in Philadelphia strongly condemned a planned anti-Israel boycott targeting Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses, calling on officials to intervene.
Anti-Israel organizations in Philadelphia are planning a "boycott ride" at Rittenhouse Square in the heart of the city, targeting a series of Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses for exclusion. Local Jewish organizations have strongly condemned the planned event, labeling it overtly antisemitic and part of a broader effort to marginalize Jews from public life.
The targeted businesses include local establishments such as Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger's, and others, with organizers specifically focusing on Israeli-American chef Michael Solomonov and his restaurants. Promotional flyers and social media posts declared that "these Zionist institutions must go!", using aggressive rhetoric against the owners.
The event was scheduled near the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a detail highlighted by community leaders who drew historical parallels. A joint statement from the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and StandWithUs denounced the move as blatant hatred.
"Let us be clear: this is antisemitism. This is hatred of Jews, plain and simple," the organizations stated, adding that they will not allow intimidation tactics to succeed. Jewish groups have called on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the mayor, and the district attorney to condemn the event and requested heightened police protection for businesses and patrons, while urging the public to show solidarity through patronage.
