“It is Jew hatred, and they can disguise it any way they want as politics, but it’s not.”
That is the assessment from Michael Balaban, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as city and state leaders mount a fierce pushback against a planned Sunday bicycle rally targeting Jewish-owned businesses in the city. The event, dubbed a “Boycott Ride,” was organized by an activist group called Philly Bike On Your Left and scheduled for November 8—the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht.
Instagram Flyers Target Local Dining Spots Owned by Chefs
Publicized via Instagram flyers featuring slogans such as “No business for Zionists! These Zionist establishments must go! Not in our city!”, the rally targeted local dining spots. Among them are K’far Café, Goldie, and Dizengoff, all co-owned by famed Israel-born chef Michael Solomonov, alongside Mac Mart, Huda Burger, and Schlesinger’s.
The promotional material declared the ride would show “these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.” The organizing group took down its Instagram page following widespread condemnation and did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
The timing of the event drew sharp rebukes from municipal officials due to its historical resonance. November 8 marks the eve of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom that destroyed thousands of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues across Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland.
Official Condemnations Across Pennsylvania
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson addressed the historical weight of the rally in a public letter to the Jewish Federation. He emphasized that the community cannot ignore the dangerous consequences of allowing antisemitism to go unchecked.
Jewish-owned restaurants targeted in Philadelphia boycott on eve of Kristallnacht anniversary Six businesses have been singled out by anti-Israel activists, prompting Jewish residents to organise a show of support Jewish restaurant owners in Philadelphia are facing calls for…
“We cannot ignore the historical significance of this moment or the dangerous consequences of allowing antisemitism and hatred to go unchecked in America,” Johnson wrote, adding that no business owner should be singled out, harassed, or intimidated.
Mayor Cherelle Parker echoed those sentiments, stating that no one should feel unwelcome in Philadelphia because of their faith or identity. Parker confirmed she was coordinating directly with the police commissioner to maintain public safety through the weekend.
“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and express their political views,” Parker said. “But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city.”
Drawing the Line Between Foreign Policy and Local Enterprise
State Rep. Ben Waxman, who represents a Philadelphia district encompassing several of the targeted restaurants, pointed out the geographic disconnect of the protest. He noted that while citizens hold every right to critique foreign policy, those decisions belong in Washington, not in Center City kitchens.
A Philadelphia boycott bicycle ride is targeting Jewish businesses in the hopes of intimidating them and ultimately expelling them. "Ride around Rittenhouse with us as we show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are." pic.twitter.com/V7sXJqiVFL
“Holding your Jewish neighbors responsible for a foreign government’s actions is antisemitism,” Waxman said. “No one should have to pass a political test to run a restaurant, earn a living, or feel welcome in the neighborhood we share.”
Balaban voiced similar boundaries regarding political expression, affirming support for the First Amendment while rejecting the targeting of private establishments. “If you have an issue with the government, go protest at an embassy, a consulate, but don’t target a Jewish-owned business or an Israeli-owned business,” Balaban said.
Anti-Defamation League Launches Online Dining Solidarity Pledge
In response to the planned action, the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia launched an online pledge urging residents to show solidarity by dining at Jewish-owned establishments this week. Andrew Goretsky, senior regional director for ADL Philadelphia, stressed that patronizing the targeted businesses serves as the most effective countermeasure.
“The best answer to a discriminatory act is to show up for those targeted,” Goretsky said. “Patronize these businesses … Hate counts on us staying away. Let’s fight it by showing up.”
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association also weighed in, defending the right to peaceful assembly while rejecting harassment. Ben Fileccia, the association’s Philadelphia-based senior vice president for strategy and engagement, asserted that restaurants must remain safe spaces for workers and patrons alike.
“Restaurants should remain places where people can work, dine, and gather without fear,” Fileccia said.
As Balaban headed to Goldie for a tehina shake on Thursday, he reflected on the community’s resolve in the face of the boycott threat. Emphasizing a growing groundswell of public support, he maintained an outlook focused on endurance and unity.
“We’re here to stay,” Balaban affirmed. “Not only are we not going anywhere, we’re going to get stronger. All this does is unify us – and push us to continue with the success that we’ve had as a community.”
