Pennsylvania Attorney General against the boycott of Jewish businesses: “This is not protest, but discrimination”

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned a planned boycott of Jewish businesses in Philadelphia scheduled for the eve of Kristallnacht anniversary, stating it is discrimination, not legitimate protest. Governor Josh Shapiro and Jewish organizations joined the condemnation. Sunday did not announce legal action.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a strong statement against a boycott protest planned for Sunday, November 8, targeting Jewish businesses in Philadelphia, on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Sunday determined that this constitutes discrimination against Jews, not legitimate protest against Israeli policy, even though organizers use the term 'Zionists'. He noted that targeting businesses based on the Jewish identity of their owners echoes ancient anti-Semitic imagery. However, he did not announce legal action. The protest, called 'Boycott Ride', is organized by the group Philly Bike On Your Left in cooperation with pro-Palestinian groups. The target list includes six eateries: Dizengoff, Goldie, K'far Cafe, Huda, Schlesinger's Jewish Deli, and Mac Mart. Some are owned by American Jews who are not Israelis. Targeted business owners expressed pain and shock. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also condemned the initiative as blatant anti-Semitism. Four Jewish organizations defined the protest as 'Jew-hatred'. The local Jewish community is organizing a solidarity event at the targeted restaurants.

Pennsylvania Attorney General against the boycott of Jewish businesses: “This is not protest, but discrimination”