Philadelphia is preparing for competing demonstrations this Sunday, as a nonprofit group has installed billboards urging residents to oppose a planned boycott of Jewish-owned restaurants, while a cycling collective plans a protest targeting businesses it links to Israeli policies.
Two key developments are driving the conflict:
JewBelong, a Jewish advocacy nonprofit, has placed 14 billboards across Philadelphia reading, “Running over Jewish businesses isn’t a peace plan,” urging people to “boycott the boycott ride” on Sunday. The campaign responds to a planned protest by Philly Bike On Your Left, an “anti-fascist, anti-Zionist social cycling collective.”
Philly Bike On Your Left has announced a demonstration targeting six restaurants in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, alleging the businesses are “Zionist establishments” due to their owners’ support for Israel. The targeted restaurants include Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s, and Dizengoff.
The Immediate Response
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday have condemned the planned boycott, with Mayor Parker stating on social media that the protest “has no place in our city.” Baseball legend Reggie Jackson, a Philadelphia native, also criticized the boycott, comparing it to the racism he experienced in the 1960s. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) launched a pledge encouraging people to dine at the targeted businesses and other Jewish-owned restaurants.
The Philadelphia Police Department has increased security preparations ahead of the demonstrations, scheduled for the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jewish communities in Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland. During Kristallnacht, thousands of Jewish businesses, homes, schools, and synagogues were damaged, and an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 Jews were killed.
Statements from Organizers
Philly Bike On Your Left has stated that the boycott is not directed at Jewish-owned businesses but rather at establishments whose owners support Israel. In an Instagram post, the group said the campaign had been “grossly misrepresented.” The organization describes itself as an “anti-fascist, anti-Zionist social cycling collective” and has framed the protest as an act of solidarity with Palestinians.
JewBelong, the group behind the billboards, has not responded to requests for comment. The targeted restaurants have not issued public statements, but neighboring businesses have encouraged customers to show support for the affected establishments.
Background and Context
The conflict reflects broader tensions in Philadelphia and across the U.S. regarding the intersection of free speech, protest tactics, and allegations of antisemitism. Critics of the boycott argue that it unfairly targets Jewish-owned businesses and invokes historical trauma tied to Kristallnacht. Supporters of the protest argue that it is a legitimate form of political expression opposing Israeli policies.
The Philadelphia Police Department has not provided details on specific security measures but confirmed that officers will be present to monitor the demonstrations. The department has urged residents to avoid the Rittenhouse Square area during the protests.
Timeline of Key Events
- Oct. 31, 2025: Philly Bike On Your Left announces the boycott of six restaurants, scheduled for Nov. 9, 2025.
- Early November 2025: JewBelong installs 14 billboards across Philadelphia urging people to oppose the boycott.
- Nov. 8, 2025: Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemn the planned boycott.
- Nov. 9, 2025: The protests are scheduled to take place, with heightened police presence expected.