PHILADELPHIA (TNND) — A bicycle boycott ride targeting six Philadelphia restaurants is set to roll through the Rittenhouse Square area on Sunday, drawing condemnation from top state and city leaders and raising alarms among Jewish organizations ahead of the anniversary of Kristallnacht.
A statement supporting a Nov. 8 boycott bike ride in Philadelphia was posted by the Boycott CookNSolo Coalition and other groups. (Courtesy: Boycott CookNSolo Coalition via Instagram)
Organizers with Philly Bike On Your Left, working with other activist groups, are calling for a boycott of Mac Mart, K’Far Cafe, Huda, Goldie, Dizengoff, and Schlesinger’s Deli. Organizers say they are targeting the businesses because of their owners’ support for Israel.
Promotional posts for the ride called the owners “disgusting” and said the ride would show them that organizers “see” them.
The protest is scheduled for the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi-organized attacks on Jewish people, homes, synagogues, and businesses. Organizers say the timing is coincidental and based on riders’ schedules.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Attorney General Dave Sunday have condemned targeting businesses because their owners are Jewish.
Police say officers will be present to maintain safety and order. Shapiro’s office says state police are coordinating with local partners.
Jewish organizations and community leaders have urged people to support the restaurants and avoid confrontations with demonstrators.
The organizers’ claims about the businesses’ ties to Israel were not independently substantiated. Goldie co-owner Michael Solomonov declined to comment.