Planned bicycle boycott in Philadelphia draws sharp criticism from elected officials, Jewish leaders – CBS News

Planned bicycle boycott in Philadelphia draws sharp criticism from elected officials, Jewish leaders  CBS News

A planned bicycle boycott in Philadelphia is drawing sharp criticism from Jewish organizations and local and state officials. The ride scheduled for Sunday in Center City targets several Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses, according to a promotional flyer on social media. The ride is expected to start at noon in Rittenhouse Square. Organizers say they plan to draw attention to businesses they say have ties to Israel, but it's not clear what that will look like. Elected officials and Jewish community organizations are condemning the event, calling it antisemitic and an attempt to intimidate Jewish business owners. In a statement, Mayor Cherelle Parker said in part, "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and express their political views.

But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city."Parker said she directed the police commissioner to coordinate closely with community and partner agencies and to protect residents, houses of worship, businesses and the constitutional rights of people demonstrating peacefully. A spokesperson for Philadelphia police said the department is aware of the planned rally and would "take appropriate measures to maintain public safety."Rabbi Annie Lewis, of Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel near the square, said it was heartbreaking to hear Jewish businesses were being targeted by the boycott. "We're standing right here at Rittenhouse Square, which