Pennsylvania’s leading Democrat, expressing her concerns as an American Muslim, denounced the anti-Semitic protests that took place over the weekend in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square.
A group named the Philadelphia Palestine Coalition gathered in the area, chanting slogans like “Abu Obeidah is alive,” referencing the deceased Hamas spokesman. One speaker suggested that “martyrdom is a duty,” while various voices called for an “intifada.”
State Senator Sharif Street (Retired, Pennsylvania) strongly condemned the rally, marking the first Muslim elected to the House of Representatives. “As an American Muslim, I have to say that Hamas is a terrorist organization that should not be glorified, but condemned,” he stated. Street argued that those pushing for violence in Philadelphia were not promoting peace, but rather undermining it.
Also, there’s an upcoming teach-in, themed Philly to Palestine, set for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Street, whose family legacy includes his father, the former mayor, and his uncle, a past state senator, echoed sentiments shared by Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro had previously called out anti-Semitism at the University of Pennsylvania in 2025, which is near the location of the recent protests.
In his statement, Street referenced the “incendiary bombing” at Shapiro’s Harrisburg residence, as well as tragic mass shootings at a synagogue in Pittsburgh and a church in Charleston, South Carolina, emphasizing the need for politicians to denounce anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred decisively.
He reflected on the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” Street underscored the importance of addressing the rising extremism and fostering a peaceful coexistence for all people—whether Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, or Palestinian.
Previously, the Philadelphia Inquirer noted that Street might hold more moderate views regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict compared to lawmakers such as Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. He pointed out that while Benjamin Netanyahu is often criticized for war crimes, others, like Donald Trump, should also be scrutinized without calls for the U.S.’s elimination.
In contrast, another Democrat campaigning for Evans’ seat offered sharp criticisms in a recent interview.
Pennsylvania Rep. Martina White, one of the few Republicans in Harrisburg, reiterated Street’s concerns. She put forth a statement with Minority Leader Jesse Topper, labeling the events in Rittenhouse Square as more than mere protests; they were actions rooted in open hatred and terror against Jewish communities.
In response to the protests, White strongly condemned the display of hate. She said that hanging a statue of an Israeli soldier and calling for martyr attacks was completely beyond acceptable protest. This kind of rhetoric was seen as a clear incitement to violence against innocent people, including women and children. The Philadelphia Palestine Coalition hadn’t provided comments at the time of reporting.
