Pro-Palestinian Bike Boycott Sparks Clashes in Philadelphia
Philly Bike On Your Left organized a boycott of six Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia, leading to violent clashes and three arrests on November 8.
The activist group Philly Bike On Your Left organized a boycott bike ride through Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square area on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The protest targeted six restaurants—Mac Mart, K’Far Cafe, Huda, Goldie, Dizengoff, and Schlesinger’s Deli—which organizers labeled Zionist establishments due to alleged support for Israel.
The event drew approximately 500 total participants, including 200 pro-Israeli counterprotesters and dozens of diners who lined up at the restaurants in solidarity. Violent clashes broke out between the two factions, specifically at 18th and Walnut streets. Philadelphia police reported three arrests on charges of assault and disorderly conduct, while two officers sustained minor injuries and one female counterprotester reported being assaulted.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, and Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned the targeting of businesses based on the owners' Jewish identity. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia described the action as Jew-Hatred, noting the timing coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht. In response, the organization JewBelong placed 14 billboards across the city opposing the rally.
Philly Bike On Your Left denied accusations of antisemitism, claiming the ride was grossly misrepresented and that the boycott was based solely on the businesses' support for Israel. The group has planned another ride for the following Sunday.
