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Ahead of the planned “Boycott Ride” targeting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia this weekend, Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz urged Mayor Cherelle Parker to publicly condemn antisemitism and take immediate steps to bolster security for the Jewish community.
In a letter sent to the mayor on Thursday, Katz — who leads CAM’s engagement with North American mayors — called the bike demonstration an “attempt to intimidate and exclude Jewish business owners from the very city where they have built their livelihoods.”
“Organizers are identifying Jewish-owned businesses by name and declaring that they do not belong in Philadelphia,” she wrote. “This is antisemitism, and I am calling on you to condemn it publicly, unequivocally, and without delay.”
Katz further noted that the timing of “Boycott Ride” — just before the anniversary of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”), the November 1938 state-orchestrated antisemitic pogroms across Nazi Germany that presaged the Holocaust — made it “even more disturbing.”
She emphasized, “Eighty-eight years later, Jewish-owned establishments in an American city are being singled out with the message that they are not welcome. The historical echoes are impossible to ignore.”
Katz sent a similar letter to other Philadelphia municipal officials, including Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Donna Jackson Stephans, who responded quickly, confirming coordination with the mayor, city police commissioner, and FBI.
Later on Thursday, Mayor Parker issued the following statement:
As Mayor, I serve every Philadelphian under the explicit premise that freedom of speech and freedom from fear are not competing values.
No one should be targeted, threatened, or made to feel unwelcome because of their faith, identity, or background. Every person deserves to feel safe and respected in the city they call home.
The planned November 8 boycott ride targets Jewish-owned restaurants in and around Rittenhouse Square and falls on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a date that carries profound pain for our Jewish neighbors and for all who remember where unchecked hatred can lead.
Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and express their political views. But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city.
Let me be clear: safety is non-negotiable.
That is why I have directed the Police Commissioner to coordinate closely with the community and partner agencies. The Philadelphia Police Department will maintain safety and order throughout the demonstration, protect nearby residents, businesses, and houses of worship, and safeguard the constitutional rights of those demonstrating peacefully.
Anyone who engages in threats, intimidation, or unlawful conduct will be held accountable.
One Philly, A United City will always mean that every Philadelphian can feel safe, respected, and welcome, with no place for threats, intimidation, or harassment.
https://t.co/T1oLN96vC8
— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) November 5, 2026
Katz expressed appreciation for Mayor Parker’s statement, but implored her to go further, pointing out that the word “antisemitism” did not appear in it.
“Protecting Jewish residents is essential, but so is having the courage to call antisemitism what it is,” Katz said.
Read more:
CAM Strengthens Municipal Partnerships Across Northeast in Fight Against Antisemitism
