Philadelphia mayor condemns boycott of Jewish-owned businesses

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned a planned boycott targeting Jewish-owned and Israeli-owned businesses in the city, emphasizing that such targeting is unacceptable and has no place in Philadelphia, according to twincitiesnewstalk.iheart.com.

The protest, called the "Boycott Ride," is scheduled for Sunday near Rittenhouse Square and coincides with the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a night of anti-Jewish violence in Nazi Germany, reported by multiple sources including wonw1280.iheart.com and ktok.iheart.com.

Mayor Parker has directed police to prioritize public safety and maintain order during the protest, with the Philadelphia Police Department focusing on protecting residents, businesses, and houses of worship, Fox 29 reported.

Jewish organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Anti-Defamation League have condemned the boycott as antisemitic, stating it aims to intimidate and marginalize the Jewish community. Flyers promoting the event have been criticized for language reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.

Several Jewish-owned businesses, including K’far Café, Goldie, and Dizengoff, co-owned by chef Michael Solomonov, are among those targeted. Business owners have expressed their determination to remain open during the boycott, with one owner stating, "We will not be terrorized," according to twincitiesnewstalk.iheart.com.