Leaders Condemn Planned Philadelphia Boycott Targeting Jewish Businesses

A planned bicycle boycott ride in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square is set to target six Jewish-owned businesses, with organizers framing it as pro-Palestinian solidarity and promotional material calling the businesses “Zionist” and describing their owners in dehumanizing terms. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned the event as antisemitic and unacceptable, while affirming the right to peaceful protest. Officials warned against intimidating or excluding people because of their faith or identity, and state police said they were coordinating with local partners on safety. The timing, near the anniversary of Kristallnacht, has added to concerns about the boycott’s historical echoes and potential impact on Jewish residents and businesses.