Tensions flare as demonstrators target Jewish restaurants, drawing massive counterprotest
Tensions flared in a Philadelphia neighborhood Sunday after a bike ride organized to boycott several Jewish-owned restaurants sparked overwhelming backlash from the city's Jewish and pro-Israel communities.
Key points
- As riders cycled through the streets waving Palestinian flags, hundreds of Jewish and pro-Israel community members turned out to oppose the demonstration, with heated exchanges unfolding across several city blocks.
- The boycott also drew sharp criticism for taking place on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany and Austria marked by widespread anti-Jewish violence, including attacks on homes, synagogues and businesses.
- "The ride falls on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, November 9-10, 1938, when Nazi-organized mobs destroyed thousands of Jewish businesses, homes and synagogues in Germany and Austria, while thousands of Jews were beaten, assaulted and sent to concentration camps.
Dozens of diners also lined up outside the targeted restaurants in a show of solidarity with the Jewish-owned businesses.
Additional details
- PHILADELPHIA 'BOYCOTT RIDE' TARGETING JEWISH BUSINESSES DRAWS CONDEMNATION FROM CITY, STATE LEADERSHIP The Philadelphia police told Fox News that at least three people were arrested in connection with the protest, including a woman accused of assault, a man accused of disorderly conduct and a 17-year-old male accused of assaulting police.
- Police said about 500 people participated in total, including roughly 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, 200 of whom were on bicycles, and 200 pro-Israeli counterprotesters.
- ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS CLASH WITH NYPD OFFICERS NEAR SYNAGOGUE Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators and counterprotesters shouting at one another.
- The demonstration prompted the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to call for a counter-demonstration in early November.
- A man confronted the restaurant on camera, accusing it of sending a message that the Jewish community was not welcome.
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