A pro-Palestine bicycle ride in Philadelphia is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, to boycott six Jewish-owned businesses in the Rittenhouse Square area. The event, organized by Philly Bike on Your Left, has drawn condemnation from state officials who describe it as antisemitic.
Protest organizers and targets identified
The demonstration, titled a "boycott ride," is being organized by Philly Bike on Your Left, a group that describes itself as anti-fascist, anti-Zionist, and anti-police. According to a flier shared on the group’s Instagram, the ride will target six businesses: Mac Mart, Huda, Schlesinger’s Deli, Goldie, K’Far Cafe, and Dizengoff. The flier states that these establishments are being boycotted because they are "Zionist" and calls on participants to "show these Zionist business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are."
State officials condemn the event
Multiple Pennsylvania officials have criticized the protest. Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday issued statements calling the event antisemitic. Shapiro’s office stated that 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." The protest is scheduled for the day before the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom that targeted Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues in Germany and Austria.
Organizers reject antisemitism claims
Philly Bike on Your Left has pushed back against accusations of antisemitism, arguing that the protest is focused on the businesses' support for Israel rather than their Jewish ownership. The group shared a post from an allied activist group that called the Kristallnacht comparison "a cynical take that is not only offensive to the historical victims of Nazi persecution but an intentional distraction." The organization also noted that the anniversary falls the day after the ride.
Business ownership and political ties
The parent company of three of the targeted businesses—Goldie, K’Far, and Dizengoff—is CookNSolo, owned by Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook. Both have publicly supported Israel, according to reporting. The other businesses named in the boycott are Mac Mart, Huda, and Schlesinger’s Deli, all of which are located in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
Senator Fetterman criticizes protest
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) also criticized the event, referring to participants as "Aholes-on-wheels"** in a social media post. His remarks add to the growing backlash against the protest, which has drawn widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations and political leaders.
The event has sparked debate over the boundaries of free speech, protest tactics, and the definition of antisemitism in political demonstrations.