Three people were arrested Sunday in Philadelphia during a controversial bike protest that targeted six Jewish-owned restaurants near Rittenhouse Square, 6ABC reported.
The demonstration, organized by a group called Philly Bike On Your Left, drew approximately 500 people to the center of the city, according to figures reported by NBC10. The crowd split into roughly 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators—including 200 riders on bicycles—and 200 pro-Israeli counter-protesters.
The targeted establishments included Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s, and Dizengoff. Organizers posted a flyer to social media showing the names circled in red and crossed out, stating they were showing solidarity with Palestinians and accusing the business owners of supporting Israel.
Philadelphia police officers worked to keep the opposing groups on opposite sides of the street, but verbal confrontations and physical clashes still occurred near 18th and Walnut streets, according to 6ABC and NBC10.
NBC10 witnessed police pull one protester away from another during a physical altercation. The Philadelphia Police Department later confirmed that three individuals were taken into custody: a woman arrested for assault, a man arrested for disorderly conduct, and a 17-year-old man arrested for assaulting police. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the arrests.
In a statement, boycott organizers asserted that they stand firmly against racism and oppression in all forms, stating, The reason we are calling for a boycott of these businesses is because of their support for Israel.
Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and other local and state leaders condemned the protest. Earlier in the week, Mayor Parker stated that the Philadelphia Police Department would maintain safety throughout the event.
As the protest unfolded, long lines of supporters formed outside the targeted eateries to counter the boycott. David Elkins told 6ABC that he traveled from New York with his wife and daughter to spend the night in Philadelphia and show support.
The community is really showing up in big way, it’s really special. Really heartwarming to see all these people here, Elkins.Allan Domb
said Allan Domb, owner of Schlesinger’s Deli, described the response from the community.
Michael Balaban, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, told 6ABC that the counter-response aimed to push back against hostility. The only way to push back at hate is to show love, that’s what you’re seeing here with this huge line back here,
Balaban said.
Ahead of the demonstration, the nonprofit organization JewBelong installed billboards at 14 locations across Philadelphia urging residents to support Jewish-owned businesses. The signs read, Running over Jewish businesses isn’t a peace plan,
and encouraged the public to boycott the boycott ride.
The protest coincided with the approach of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi-organized attacks against Jewish communities in Germany, Austria, and Sudetenland on November 9 and 10, 1938, as noted by NBC10.
Organizers have stated that another boycott bike ride is planned for next Sunday.
