After the Hatred, a Show of Strength: Standing with Philadelphia’s Jewish Businesses

Last Sunday’s Bike Boycott targeted Israel and Israeli businesses in Philadelphia. This Sunday, Philadelphia’s Jewish community and its allies are answering with their own ride.

In response to last Sunday’s Bike Boycott and the rise of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, this gathering will celebrate Jewish pride, solidarity with the United States and Israel, and the resilience of a community that refuses to allow hatred or division to define its future.

Philly Bike On Your Left organized a bicycle boycott last Sunday, Nov. 8th, around Rittenhouse Square.” Its flyer named Huda, Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Goldie, Dizengoff and Schlesinger’s – declaring: “No business for Zionists” and “These Zionist establishments must go.”

This Sunday, November 15, marchers and cyclists carrying American and Israeli flags will go from the Rocky Statue to the Liberty Bell in the Jewish Life “Cycle”: March & Ride for Israel.

The #EndJewHatred Movement is co-organizing the event and bringing out its activists, alongside Chevra Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation, StandWithUs and other partners. The message is that antisemitism and hatred have no place in Philadelphia.

This Sunday, Jewish community members are coming together to uphold the shared values of freedom and human dignity upon which both the United States and Israel were founded.

At a time when these values are increasingly challenged, it is more important than ever for communities to stand together.

They invite the local community to walk side by side with theirs, united in a commitment to peace and a shared hope for a world where people of all backgrounds can live in freedom, dignity, and prosperity.

What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a broader demonstration of unity, with numerous local and national organizations rallying together in support.

The event will bring together Jewish Philadelphians, supporters of Israel, and friends and neighbors from across the region – and the country.

Local participants are encouraged to bring American and Israeli flags, walk or ride together, and help send a positive message of community strength, peaceful coexistence, and hope for future generations.

Two #EndJewHatred activists – Rabbi Yonah Gross, a rabbi at a local Philadelphia congregation, speaks out on why faith leaders are showing up and what the boycott means to his community – and Fred Potok, a community activist, on how Philadelphia’s Jewish community came together to organize this response in a week.

The response event will be held TODAY, Sunday, November 15th starting at noon at the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and will end at the Liberty Bell.

Cyclists and marchers with flags in front of the Art Museum steps, will make up a procession through the heart of the city.

From the local Jewish Federation: 

Working alongside our coalition of Jewish agencies, organizations and congregations across Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware, and beyond, they encourage the community and allies to:

• Support local businesses. Continue supporting Jewish- and Israeli-owned establishments, not only this weekend but throughout the year.
• Stand together. Participate in peaceful opportunities to celebrate Jewish life and demonstrate that antisemitism and intimidation have no place in our cities.
• Put safety first. Follow guidance from law enforcement and security professionals, avoid confrontations and report concerning activity to the appropriate authorities.
• Spread the word. Share accurate information, encourage friends and neighbors to show their support and amplify messages of unity and solidarity.

Peaceful protest is a protected right. Intimidation, harassment and the targeting of individuals or businesses because of their Jewish identity, heritage or perceived political beliefs are unacceptable.

Strength is reflected in the relationships we build, the neighbors we support and our shared determination to ensure Jewish life continues to flourish openly, safely and proudly.

Our story last week:

Kristallnacht Anniversary Bears Witness to Antisemitic Boycott of Philadelphia’s Jewish Businesses