Protests of Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia by dozens of masked bikers on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary were drowned out by a massive crowd of heckling counter-protesters on Sunday.
The boycott, which targeted restaurants run by Jewish Americans in Philly’s ritzy Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, came face-to-face with a large counterprotest aimed at supporting the businesses.
However, the protest was forced to shut down early, with organizers claiming “safety concerns.”
James Keivom for NY Post
Lines at the Jewish-owned businesses stretched out the door as supporters publicly come out to back them.
Social media posts for the protest demanded that the businesses leave the city.
“Show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are,” one post said.
Despite the claim that the protest was “anti-Zionist,” one business owner said her mac and cheese shop had nothing to do with Israel, and believes she was targeted because she wears a Star of David.
The protest Sunday came on the eve of the anniversary for the 1938 Nazi night of terror in Germany and Austria, where Jewish-owned businesses and neighborhoods were sacked. At least 91 Jews were murdered and others rounded up for concentration camps.
Philly Bike On Your Left, which organized the boycott, claims the event has been “grossly misrepresented.”
Matt Sheldon, 52, said he came out from New York to show Philly’s Jewish community that they are not alone, as he mocked the small turnout of about 75 boycotters.
“It’s the biggest bust of a boycott there is,” Sheldon told The Post, adding that lines to support the restaurants are through the door.
