Philly mayor, Shapiro and AG brand weekend "boycott ride" of Jewish restaurants antisemitic

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Attorney General Dave Sunday and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned a planned Sunday bicycle "boycott ride" past Jewish-owned restaurants in Rittenhouse Square, calling the protest antisemitic and unacceptable.

The ride, promoted by Philly Bike On Your Left and allied activist groups for Nov. 8, names six restaurants officials and Jewish organizations say are Jewish-owned. Organizers advertised showing "zionist business owners" that "we see them." Shapiro's office called it "blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities." Sunday said singling out Pennsylvanians "based on their Jewish identity" is not a protest of Israeli policy. Parker said peaceful protest is protected, but "singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable," and that Philadelphia police will maintain order. The timing falls on the eve of Kristallnacht's anniversary. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called the planned protest "Jew-hatred, plain and simple."