Three Arrested as Philly Boycott Bike Ride Draws Counterprotest
Is this a legitimate protest against funding an occupying military or antisemitism in the garb of activism?
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Above: The Philadelphia Skyline on July 4. Image credit: Al Bello/Getty Images
The Facts
- Philadelphia police arrested three people Sunday during a boycott bike ride in Rittenhouse Square, where about 300 demonstrators met roughly 200 counterprotesters. One of those arrested was a 17-year-old, detained on an assault charge, while two officers suffered minor injuries.
- Counterprotesters waving Israeli flags formed long lines outside targeted eateries, including Goldie and K'Far on Sunday, with some supporters traveling from New York, after the Anti-Defamation League urged Philadelphians to dine at the businesses.
- Philly Bike On Your Left said its ride had been "grossly misrepresented" and that the boycott stemmed from the businesses' support for Israel, adding that the timing reflected participants' schedules. Organizers said another ride is planned for next Sunday.
Sources Split
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The Spin
Left narrative
Boycotting businesses that bankroll an occupying military is a time-honored, nonviolent tactic, and good food earns no immunity from accountability. Calling out fundraising for soldiers and settlement projects is protected political criticism. Economic pressure remains one of the few levers ordinary people actually hold.
Right narrative
Targeting a cluster of Jewish-owned restaurants for destruction has nothing to do with foreign policy and everything to do with the owners' identities. A mac-and-cheese shop does not set Middle East policy, and a Star of David necklace is not a political platform. Staging the whole thing within a day of the Kristallnacht anniversary removes any doubt about the message being sent.
