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The “Boycott Ride” aimed at six Jewish-owned restaurants in downtown Philadelphia on Sunday was met with thousands of counter-protesters who came out to support the targeted businesses and confront the antisemitic bicyclists.
The bike ride — which took place on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”) — had drawn widespread condemnation from Jewish groups, including the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and city and state leaders.
A promotional flyer for the ride said, “There is no place for Zionist businesses in our city. These businesses must disappear.”
On Sunday morning, long lines formed outside the restaurants blacklisted by ride organizers, with many patrons carrying Israeli and American flags.
🇺🇸 Philadelphia, USA, Nov. 8, 2026: On the eve of Kristallnacht, a pro-Palestinian “Boycott Ride” targeted Jewish restaurants one by one.
Philadelphia answered with a massive line outside, people standing with the Jewish community.
This is how you fight antisemitism. 💪 https://t.co/IEO8GntLir
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) November 8, 2026
Police tried to keep bike riders — including some holding Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs — and counter-protesters apart, but some clashes did break out. Three people were arrested, including an 17-year-old anti-Israel activist over an alleged assault on law enforcement.
Antisemitic manifestations at Sunday’s event included a sign reading “Money loving Zionists.”
CAM CEO Sacha Roytman praised the communal response to the bike ride.
“What’s happening in Philadelphia today is the solution to antisemitism. Thousands of people are gathering to support the Jewish community that has been targeted. Every incident, no matter how small or large, should be addressed in this manner.”
What’s happening in Philadelphia today is the solution to antisemitism. Thousands of people are gathering to support the Jewish community that has been targeted.
Every incident, no matter how small or large, should be addressed in this manner.
— Sacha Roytman (@SachaRoytman) November 8, 2026
“Philly turned a boycott into a buycott,” Roytman added.
Philly turned a boycott into a buycott. Thank you to everyone supporting Jewish businesses targeted by pro-Palestinian boycotters on the eve of Kristallnacht.
@PhillyMayor @GovernorShapiro: The community showed up. Now it’s your turn. https://t.co/O87DPleMcD
— Sacha Roytman (@SachaRoytman) November 8, 2026
CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz said, “Philadelphia is showing up for Jewish-owned businesses, and I’d love to see Mayor Parker and her team join them. Grab lunch, grab a bagel and a schmear, and show these business owners that City Hall stands behind its words.”
Philadelphia is showing up for Jewish-owned businesses, and I’d love to see Mayor Parker and her team join them. Grab lunch, grab a bagel and a schmear, and show these business owners that City Hall stands behind its words. https://t.co/vvc8qO0dsA
— Lisa Katz (@LisaSKatz) November 8, 2026
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