Officials condemn planned Philadelphia boycott of Jewish-owned businesses as antisemitic – CNN

Officials condemn planned Philadelphia boycott of Jewish-owned businesses as antisemitic  CNN

State and local leaders have strongly condemned a protest planned for this weekend in Philadelphia that targets Jewish-owned businesses, calling it antisemitic and unacceptable. Several local activist groups promoted the protest, which is expected Sunday as a bicycle “boycott ride” past Jewish-owned restaurants in the city’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The main organizer, Philly Bike On Your Left, describes itself as being “anti-Zionist.” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the boycott on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht is “deeply unsettling.” Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” was a Nazi-organized riot in which synagogues were burned, Jewish-owned businesses and homes were vandalized, and Jews were assaulted, killed and imprisoned in concentration camps in Nazi Germany.

“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,” according to a statement from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office. “There is no place for that in our Commonwealth.” Shapiro’s office said Pennsylvania State Police is “engaged with our local partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our neighbors in Philadelphia.” Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said everyone has the right to protest peacefully, “But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city,” according