Philadelphia mayor slams protest against Jewish-owned shops on Nazi terror anniversary
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned an upcoming protest targeting Jewish-owned businesses on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary — saying that hate “has no place in our city.”
The Democratic mayor addressed the planned Sunday anti-Israel protest in the city’s ritzy Rittenhouse Square neighborhood in a scathing statement on X Thursday.
“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,” Parker wrote.
“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,” she fumed.
Parker said the planned boycott of Jewish-owned businesses “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.”
“Anyone who engages in threats, intimidation, or unlawful conduct will be held accountable,” Hizzoner warned.
Parker noted that “safety is non-negotiable” and has directed police to “protect nearby residents, businesses, and houses of worship, and safeguard the constitutional rights of those demonstrating peacefully.”
The Philly Bike On Your Left group, along with two other anti-Israel activist organizations, called for the boycott targeting Jewish-owned businesses in the neighborhood, including Mac Mart, K’Far Cafe, Huda Burger, Goldie, Dizengoff and Schlesinger’s.
The organizers of the boycott described the twisted demonstration on Instagram as a way to “show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.”
“No business for zionists! These zionist establishments must go! Not in our city!” promotional material for the protest read.
Co-owner of Mac Mart, Marti Lieberman, 37, told The Post the antisemitic messaging is “scary” and pointed out that business has nothing to do with Israel or Judaism.
“You can’t get a break, and now I have to worry about being born Jewish,” said Liberman, who suspects the protesters just assumed she was pro-Israel because she openly wears a Star of David necklace.
“I literally am just a Jewish girl from the suburbs who started a business,” she added.
Liberman noted it was especially hurtful to learn that the boycott was scheduled on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht — the 1938 Nazi-led riots that sacked Jewish communities in Germany and Austria.
Kristallnacht — “crystal night,” a reference to the broken windows in Jewish-owned storefronts — resulted in the murders of at least 91 Jews on Nov. 9 and 10.
