Pennsylvania officials are criticizing a planned demonstration targeting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia, scheduled just before the 88th anniversary of the Kristallnacht attacks in Nazi Germany.
Philly Bike on Your Left, a group that describes itself as anti-fascist, has promoted a bicycle ride for Sunday at noon. A flyer posted by the group names Jewish-owned businesses and marks them for a boycott. It declares, “No business for Zionists,” and says the establishments “must go.”
The flyer does not refer to Kristallnacht, the 1938 violence in which Jewish people and businesses were attacked. The boycott is planned for the day before its anniversary.
Groups supporting the ride say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and describe the event as anti-fascist. They also argue that treating Zionism and Judaism as the same thing is misleading. In a statement, organizers said the businesses would “die” as Zionism did, and ended with the words, “Free Palestine.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned the targeting, saying free speech and freedom from fear should not be treated as opposing principles. No one, she said, should be threatened or made to feel unwelcome because of their faith, identity, or background.
Parker called singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish unacceptable and said it had no place in Philadelphia. She added that threats, intimidation, and unlawful behavior would be addressed, and that police would coordinate to preserve public safety during the event.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman urged Democrats to condemn what he called an openly antisemitic demonstration. Commissioner Jeffrey Nash described the boycott as an appalling display of hatred, bigotry, and intimidation toward the Jewish community.
Some of the businesses named in the campaign plan to stay open, despite what they view as an effort to intimidate them.
