Jewish organizations are urging Philadelphia and Pennsylvania officials to speak out against a planned bicycle ride targeting businesses described by its organizers as pro-Israel or “Zionist.”
A flyer shared by Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo and Philly Solidarity Calendar advertises the ride for Nov. 8, starting at Rittenhouse Square. One group’s Instagram post said participants would cycle around the neighborhood to confront business owners it described as “Zionist.”
The flyer lists several Philadelphia businesses, including Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s and Mac Mart. The businesses are owned by Israeli or Jewish Americans.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Philadelphia office, the American Jewish Committee’s Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey chapter, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and StandWithUs jointly denounced the event. They described it as antisemitic and called on city and state leaders to condemn it.
In their statement, the groups said political speech protects criticism of Israeli government policy, but does not justify threats, harassment or discrimination. Targeting businesses because their owners are Jewish, or are thought to have ties to Israel, is different from criticizing a government, they said.
The organizations also noted that the ride is scheduled for the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi-led attacks on Jewish homes, synagogues and businesses in Germany and Austria.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office referred to comments from Renee Chenault-Fattah, executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. Chenault-Fattah said the commission remained committed to opposing racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia, and said acts of hate and bigotry would not be tolerated in the city.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also condemned the planned ride. His spokesperson, Rosie Lapowsky, said the state police were coordinating with local authorities to help protect residents. She called the event antisemitic and said it was intended to intimidate Jewish businesses and drive them out of local communities.
Some of the businesses named on the flyer have received messages of support. Mac Mart owner Marti Lieberman said the attention had been encouraging, though she found it painful to have to defend her business. She hoped the response would also draw attention to the pressures small-business owners can face when they are targeted.
Lieberman said Mac Mart would continue welcoming customers and serving the community. She added that the business appreciated each order, kind message and visit from supporters.
Huda owner Yehuda Sichel said he was proud of his Jewish identity and support for Israel, and that neither should make his business a target. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, he said, the timing of the planned ride near the Kristallnacht anniversary felt especially personal.
Sichel said Huda had received strong public support since the event was announced. He said the restaurant remained open to everyone and would not leave.
Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza and Boycott CookNSolo were contacted for comment but did not immediately respond.
