City and state leaders condemn bike protest targeting Jewish-owned Philadelphia businesses

Philadelphia city and state leaders condemn a planned bike protest on November 8 that targets Jewish-owned businesses, calling it antisemitic. Organizers insist the timing is coincidental and accuse critics of weaponizing antisemitism. Jewish groups and officials express support for the targeted businesses.

City and state leaders in Philadelphia have condemned a planned bicycle protest that targets Jewish-owned businesses in Center City Philadelphia. The ride, scheduled for November 8, the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, is organized by Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo, and Philly Solidarity Calendar. Organizers call for a boycott of businesses they claim are complicit in Israeli military actions. Jewish groups and officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, Attorney General Dave Sunday, and Governor Josh Shapiro, have denounced the ride as antisemitic. Targeted businesses include Michael Solomonov's restaurant chain and Schlesinger's Deli, owned by former city councilman Allan Domb. Rabbi David Levin, president of the Philadelphia Board of Rabbis, expressed gratitude for broad support from civic and interfaith leaders but urged against confrontation with the bikers. The article notes that it is unclear why organizers believe the businesses are tied to an occupation or are 'pro-genocide.'