The Philadelphia chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) condemned criticism of a recent bicycle boycott aimed at local restaurant owners who are Jewish or support Israel, describing the backlash as political suppression of anti-Zionist views.
Last week, several groups circulated a flyer promoting the ride, which named at least six restaurants in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. The event drew criticism from city and state officials, especially because it was planned for the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany and Austria.
On the day of the ride, Philly DSA criticized elected officials for denouncing the event and for linking anti-Zionism with antisemitism. The group said those responses were made in bad faith and that comparisons with Kristallnacht risked diminishing the history of the violence.
Philly DSA said it had not organized or endorsed the boycott. It accused public officials of using their positions to discourage actions in support of Palestinian liberation and suggested that lobbying groups supporting Israel had influenced their statements.
The group rejected claims that it was antisemitic, saying Jewish businesses should feel welcome in Philadelphia and that opposing Zionist ideology did not mean abandoning Jewish safety or belonging. It also said it opposed antisemitism and supported the dignity of working people.
Philly DSA stood by its statement when asked for comment. The offices of Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson also maintained their criticism of the boycott.
A spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro referred to an earlier statement from his office, which said state police were coordinating with local partners to help ensure public safety. The statement characterized the planned ride as antisemitic and said it was intended to intimidate Jewish businesses and drive them from the community.
On Sunday, hundreds of Jewish and pro-Israel community members gathered to oppose the demonstration. Arguments broke out across several blocks, while diners queued outside the targeted restaurants to show support for the businesses.
Several Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including the Israeli-American Council, also spoke in support of the restaurants. The council said the timing of the ride, on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary, was deeply troubling. It argued that targeting businesses because their owners were Jewish and Zionist went beyond criticism of a government or policy, and invoked the historical danger of publicly identifying Jewish businesses for exclusion.
