Philadelphia DSA Criticizes Backlash Against Boycott Ride

The Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) issued a statement on Sunday condemning the criticism of a recent bicycle boycott event targeting pro-Israel and Jewish restaurant owners in the city. They described the backlash as ‘political repression of anti-Zionism.’

Last week, organizations including Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo, and Philly Solidarity Calendar promoted the event, highlighting six specific restaurants in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square.

The boycott drew significant criticism from city and state leaders, partly because it coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews. This association prompted strong reactions.

Pro-Palestinian participants aimed to boycott the businesses on the intended day.

In response, the Philly DSA accused political leaders of making ‘bad-faith’ and ‘dangerous’ statements by conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism and trivializing trauma. They emphasized that these were not sincere discussions about tactics.

The Philly DSA clarified that while they did not organize or endorse the boycott, they oppose actions they perceive as an effort to delegitimize support for Palestinian causes. They suggested that city and state leaders might have been pressured by ‘Zionist’ groups to condemn the event.

The group stated, ‘Organized Zionist lobbying groups pressure officials into these condemnations, diverting attention from Israel’s actions.’

Philly DSA reassured their commitment to fighting antisemitism, asserting that questioning Zionist ideology does not negate their support for Jewish safety and community belonging.

Rosie Lapowsky, spokesperson for Governor Josh Shapiro, reiterated a previous statement, saying the protest masqueraded as a pursuit of justice but was actually antisemitism intended to intimidate Jewish businesses.

On the day of the event, hundreds of Jewish and pro-Israel supporters gathered to counter the demonstration. Exchanges were heated, with numerous diners lining up in solidarity outside the targeted businesses.

Supporters, including the Israeli-American Council (IAC), expressed their defense of the businesses. The IAC commented on the significance, stating, ‘We cannot let history repeat. This ride targets not policies but Jewish-owned businesses, as if being a Zionist is illegitimate.’