Philadelphia Mayor Condemns Boycott Targeting Jewish-Owned Restaurants, Orders Police Coordination
Mayor Cherelle Parker rejects singling out Jewish-owned businesses ahead of a planned November 8 bicycle demonstration near Rittenhouse Square.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned a planned boycott targeting Jewish-owned restaurants and directed police to coordinate with community leaders and partner agencies ahead of a November 8 bicycle demonstration near Rittenhouse Square.
"Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and express their political views," Parker said in her statement Thursday. "But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city."
The mayor said police would work to protect residents, businesses and houses of worship. A police spokesperson told PhillyVoice that the department would take appropriate public-safety measures but would not discuss operational plans.
The ride is being promoted by Philly Bike On Your Left, which describes itself as an anti-Zionist cycling group. Its flyer names several restaurants, including Dizengoff, Goldie, K'Far Cafe and Schlesinger's Deli. The planned route is around Rittenhouse Square.
ADL Philadelphia, American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and StandWithUs condemned the boycott in a joint statement. They said targeting businesses over their owners' Jewish identity was intimidation, not criticism of a government's policies.
Parker said anyone engaging in threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct would be held accountable. Her statement did not announce a ban on the demonstration or specify how many officers would be deployed.