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Last Sunday, anti-Israel activists set out on a “Boycott Ride” with the stated goal of driving Jewish- and Israeli-owned restaurants from Philadelphia.
The antisemitic bicyclists, however, were met by thousands of counter-demonstrators, Jews and non-Jews alike, who mobilized to defend their neighbors and bring honor to their city.
CAM spoke this week with Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer, a proud Philadelphia native, about this powerful communal response to organized Jew-hatred.
This was one of the most forceful counter-protests we’ve seen against antisemitic activism in the United States. Are you surprised it was Philadelphians who stood up?
“Philly is a city known for taking care of its own. A lot of people dismiss the city as hopelessly left-leaning. There may be some truth to that. But it is also a city that feels a deep sense of community. I’m not surprised to see this, but very heartened, nonetheless.”
Why were these protestors focused on Jewish- and Israeli-owned restaurants rather than, say, synagogues or Jewish community centers?
“I think the organizers made a big mistake here. Philly has some of the best restaurants in the country and the city is very proud of that fact. So when these boycotters targeted some of the top restaurants in the city, they were targeting some of the places that make Philly a top destination for foodies and tourists. Philadelphians weren’t just standing up for their Jews. They were standing up for their city.”
It looked like most of the pro-Israel counter-demonstrators were middle-aged or a little older — do you think they inspired younger people to get involved now as well?
“I can’t speak to whether the older generation inspired the younger folks. But I can tell you that the Jewish community in Philly is vibrant thanks to that generation. The sheer volume of people coming out and standing for what’s right is a testament to the community forged by my grandparents and parents and their contemporaries.”
Do you think the protestors learned not to mess with Philadelphia, or will they try to cause more trouble for the city’s Jewish community?
“The BDS types will undoubtedly continue to poke and prod for weaknesses. My guess is that they look to penetrate higher education, K-12 schools, municipal government, and other institutions. This is the stealth method. The blunt antisemitic instrument of boycotting Jews has no place in Philly. It has no place anywhere else in the country. But certainly not in the City of Brotherly Love. If only the Eagles showed this kind of fight, we’d be having a very different football season!”
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