Due to threats or low turnout? Anti-Israel protest bike ride against Jewish businesses planned in Philadelphia canceled
Organizers of an anti-Israel protest bike ride in Philadelphia canceled an event scheduled for Sunday after the first event sparked widespread counter-protests. The Jewish community claims low turnout; the organizers claim death threats.
Organizers of the anti-Israel bike ride in Philadelphia, which called for boycotting Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses and restaurants, announced the cancellation of another protest ride planned for Sunday, November 15. The cancellation comes after the first event, held on November 8, sparked public outcry and was met with a large show of support from residents for the targeted businesses. The Jewish community claims the cancellation is due to low turnout, while the organizers claim they received death threats. The first event targeted six businesses, including restaurants of chef Michael Solomonov, and hundreds of Philadelphia residents visited the restaurants to show support. The Jewish Federation of Philadelphia welcomed the cancellation but warned that the boycott campaign is not over. A pro-Israel support event will take place as planned on the same day.