Philly Restaurant Boycott Backfires as Supporters Turn Out in Force - Philadelphia Jewish Exponent

Philly Restaurant Boycott Backfires as Supporters Turn Out in Force – Philadelphia Jewish Exponent

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Philadelphia Restaurant Boycott Backfires as Crowds Defend Eateries

A planned boycott targeting Jewish– and Israeli-owned eateries in Philadelphia collapsed Sunday as massive crowds of supporters flooded the targeted businesses, forming block-long lines and blocking demonstrators from reaching the locations.

The confrontation, which unfolded on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, drew hundreds of counterprotesters and brought a heavy police presence to Center City, according to reporting by the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent.

From Social Media Flyer to Rittenhouse Square Clash

The action began to take shape last week when groups including StopAntisemitism and the Anti-Defamation League flagged an Instagram post by Hala Asraf. The flyer urged members of a biking group, Philly Bike on Your Left, to join a bicycle boycott ride starting at Rittenhouse Square and targeting several local establishments: Dizengoff, Mac Mart, K’far Cafe, Huda, Goldie, and Schlesinger’s Deli.

Supporters surround Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia as boycott, bike ride protest begins

“Ride around Rittenhouse with us as we show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are,” Asraf wrote in the post alongside the flyer, as detailed by the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent.

In response to the planned protest, Jewish advocacy groups and community organizers urged the public to turn out for a food crawl and support the targeted businesses. The call brought an overwhelming response from local residents and travelers alike.

“There has been an outpouring of support from people across the world, which was unexpected for us,” Ali Sichel, who runs Huda with her husband Yehuda Sichel, told the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. “People all over have been contacting us. I had tears in my eyes last night … reading all the emails, just reaching out to tell us that they’re with us.”

Philadelphia Bike Ride Boycotts Jewish-Owned Restaurants

Blockades and Arrests in Center City

By 11:30 a.m. Sunday, roughly 300 bikers had gathered at Rittenhouse Square, where they were quickly met by an estimated 200 counterprotesters and thousands of dining supporters. Police formed a heavy presence to keep the peace as minor scuffles broke out.

While the demonstration remained mostly peaceful, law enforcement made three arrests. When approached by the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, the bikers declined to speak, with one participant initially answering questions before an organizer stepped in to halt interviews.

Meanwhile, splinter groups of about 40 to 50 bikers attempted to move through the streets, only to find their routes blocked by crowds surrounding the targeted restaurants. Counterprotesters chanted slogans while supporters lined the pavements, with some reporting wait times of 90 minutes or more to enter the eateries.

“We basically boycott[ed] their boycott,” Gabrielle, a restaurant supporter, told the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent.

Community Response and Broad Solidarity

The turnout drew participants from across the region and beyond, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds against the targeted intimidation. David Cohen, a bagpiper from New Jersey, performed patriotic songs and “Hatikva” outside the packed eateries, calling the sight of the massive lines “absolutely beautiful to see.”

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Gol, a supporter born in Iran who opposes the Islamic Republic, explained her presence by noting a shared affinity for the culture of peace promoted by Jewish traditions. “I don’t think you need to be Jewish to support this,” she told the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent.

Michael Carr, who told the outlet he discovered the initial flyer online and alerted organizations including the ADL and the Jewish Federation, reflected on the day’s outcome. “I feel so empowered by the Jewish community in Philadelphia and beyond,” Carr said. “It’s been a really hard three years, and I feel like we’re finally being heard. And I hope that the tide is turning.”

More on this story: Philly Officials Condemn Boycott of Jewish Restaurants · Tensions Flare in Philadelphia as Protesters Target Jewish-Owned Restaurants in Boycott Bike Ride

More on Philly: Philly Bike on Your Left plans boycott ride targeting Jewish businesses

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