A planned bicycle protest targeting Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia on Sunday drew a large counter-turnout of supporters, with several of the targeted businesses reporting long lines of customers rather than the business decline organizers had called for.
The protest, described by organizers as an “anti-Zionist” bike ride, called for a boycott of restaurants its organizers labeled as “Zionist” businesses. Organizers had used language saying the businesses “must go” and that they would “show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.” The ride was scheduled on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 nationwide attack on Jewish citizens and businesses in Nazi Germany.
Owners of the targeted restaurants said in advance that they would not close. Yehuda Sichel, who owns Huda on 19th Street, said businesses should not be subject to harassment over the owners’ identity or beliefs.
“We should not be allowing in our city for businesses, public businesses to be harassed and terrorized by people who may not agree with you,” Sichel said.
Marti Lieberman, who owns Mac Mart at 18th and Arch, told supporters on social media she would remain open and told Action News her staff of two was preparing for crowds.
“Catch us this Sunday, we will be open,” Lieberman said.
On the day of the event, counter-protesters turned out at Rittenhouse Square in numbers that appeared to exceed the cyclists participating in the boycott ride, many of whom wore masks and carried Palestinian flags. Video from the scene showed confrontations between the two groups, and local reports described a bleeding man and at least one arrest near the gathering.
Restaurants named as boycott targets, including Schlesinger’s, reported lines of customers turning out in support rather than staying away.
Officials and public figures respond
Philadelphia’s mayor, Pennsylvania’s governor and other officials spoke out against the boycott effort. Former baseball player Reggie Jackson, who was born in Wyncote, near Philadelphia, also issued a public statement condemning the event.
“It is heartbreaking to see antisemitism in my hometown. I was born in Wyncote, near Philadelphia, and it makes me angry and ashamed to see hatred tolerated there,” Jackson wrote. He added: “I am asking elected officials and other leaders in Philadelphia: Where are the clear statements condemning antisemitism? … Leaders should speak plainly and consistently: antisemitism and hate have no place in our communities.”
Jackson’s statement cited Anti-Defamation League data showing 465 antisemitic incidents recorded across Pennsylvania in 2024, an 18% increase over 2023, including 189 incidents in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County. The ADL figures include harassment, vandalism and assault, not all of which are classified as crimes. Jackson also cited a 2025 survey of Jewish Americans in which 79% said they were concerned about antisemitism and 52% said they had worried about their personal safety because of their identity, with nearly half reporting they had taken steps to increase their security.
Jackson drew a comparison to discrimination he witnessed growing up in the 1960s, referencing signs in the South declaring Black people could be refused service and separate facilities for Black and white patrons.
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