ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) Philadelphia, American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern NJ, The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and StandWithUs strongly condemn the organized bicycle rally “Boycott Ride” planned for Sunday, November 8 at Rittenhouse Square.
Let’s be clear: This is antisemitism. It is Jew-Hatred, plain and simple.
The flyer promoting the ride names Dizengoff, Huda, Schlesinger’s, Mac Mart and other local businesses. Marking businesses for removal from Philadelphia is an attempt to intimidate, marginalize and exclude members of the Jewish community from the economic and civic life of our city. No business should be targeted because of the identity, heritage or perceived political beliefs of its owners.
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. The public targeting of Jewish businesses should alarm every person of conscience. We cannot allow such hatred to become normalized in Philadelphia.
Free speech protects political expression and criticism of Israeli government policies. It does not provide a license for threats, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. There is a profound difference between criticizing a government and targeting businesses because their owners are Jewish or perceived to be connected to Israel.
We call on Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Josh Shapiro, District Attorney Larry Krasner and all elected officials and civic leaders to unequivocally condemn this campaign. Silence and equivocation are unacceptable when members of our community are being singled out and told they do not belong. We also urge the Philadelphia Police Department to ensure the safety of these businesses, their employees and their customers.
We also call on Philadelphians of every faith and background to stand with these businesses. Patronize them. Bring your families, friends, and colleagues. Counter this discriminatory boycott with increased business and visible solidarity.
Philadelphia must be a city where everyone can live, work, worship, and conduct business without fear of discrimination. Jewish businesses are an integral part of our city’s fabric, and they are not going anywhere.
We will not allow antisemitism to be disguised as activism. We will not accept efforts to intimidate Jewish businesses or drive them out of Philadelphia. And we will not remain silent.
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About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we annually invest in caring for those in need, combating antisemitism and global crisis, and securing a vibrant Jewish future. For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org.
For media inquiries, please contact phillyfed@redbanyan.com.