Philly Bike on Your Left plans boycott ride targeting Jewish businesses

Philly Bike on Your Left plans boycott ride targeting Jewish businesses

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Philadelphia Business Owners Brace for Targeted Boycott Ride

A planned demonstration in Philadelphia has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with local officials and Jewish advocacy groups condemning a “boycott ride” targeting Jewish-owned businesses as a clear act of antisemitism. The protest, organized by the group Philly Bike On Your Left, is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, in the Rittenhouse Square area. The organizers have explicitly singled out six local eateries—Mac Mart, Huda, Schlesinger’s Deli, Goldie, K’Far Cafe, and Dizengoff—calling on participants to demonstrate against them for their perceived support of Israel.

The timing of the event has drawn intense scrutiny, as it falls on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom that saw the systematic destruction of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues across Germany and Austria. While the organizers have dismissed comparisons to the historic tragedy as a “cynical take” and an “intentional distraction,” the proximity of the date has amplified the alarm felt by community leaders and public officials.

The Response from Local Leadership

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday have both issued sharp rebukes of the demonstration. In a statement reported by Newsweek, the Governor’s office characterized the event as “nothing more than blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities.” Attorney General Sunday echoed this sentiment on social media, arguing that the protest transcends political disagreement by singling out individuals based on their faith and identity.

The bike ride, masquerading as a protest to advance the cause of justice, is nothing more than blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities. — Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker also weighed in, stating that while the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of civic life, targeting specific businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable. The Philadelphia Police Department has confirmed it is coordinating plans to ensure public safety throughout the weekend, anticipating a tense atmosphere in the Rittenhouse Square district.

Business Owners Stand Their Ground

For the targeted business owners, the protest is a direct challenge to their role within the Philadelphia community. Allan Domb, the owner of the historic Schlesinger’s Deli—a staple founded by his grandparents in the 1920s—has made it clear that he will not be intimidated. “Absolutely, and I will be there,” Domb told Newsweek, noting that he remains committed to keeping his doors open on Sunday. He emphasized that the hatred being directed at these establishments has no place in the city, which he described as the birthplace of the nation.

Philly Bike on Your Left plans boycott ride targeting Jewish businesses

Other owners are framing the response as a matter of resilience. Yehuda Sichel of Huda, who is the grandson of Holocaust survivors, told the Jewish News Syndicate that he and his colleagues “won’t cower” in the face of the demonstration. Similarly, Marti Lieberman, co-owner of Mac Mart, expressed frustration that her business was targeted despite her lack of involvement in international political matters. She plans to open her kiosk this weekend, not only to defy the intimidation but to acknowledge the support she has received from local residents.

The Broader Context of the Conflict

The tensions in Philadelphia are a localized manifestation of the ongoing and deeply polarized debate surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas. The owners of CookNSolo—Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook—have been frequent targets for their public support of Israel. In March 2025, they were recognized with the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Tree of Life Award for their efforts in supporting communities affected by the October 7, 2023, attacks.

While the organizers of the bike ride claim they are protesting “Zionist establishments,” critics argue that this rhetoric serves to mask discriminatory intent. The legal landscape remains complex, with ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice regarding the conflict in Gaza, where the death toll has reached 74,620 according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The International Court of Justice has set a long-term schedule for filings in the case brought by South Africa, with proceedings extending into 2029, illustrating just how far removed the legal reality is from the immediate, street-level friction occurring in Philadelphia this weekend.

As Sunday approaches, the situation highlights the widening chasm between the right to political expression and the protection of local commerce from identity-based harassment. For the city of Philadelphia, the weekend will be a test of how effectively it can protect its business owners while managing the volatile demonstrations that have become a hallmark of this era.

Shapiro: Philly Boycott Ride Is "Blatant Antisemitism." Mayor Agrees. Ride Is Sunday.

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