Counter protests rise after boycott ride past Jewish-owned restaurants

On November 9, 2026, in Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed over a bike ride that aimed to boycott six Jewish-owned businesses, sparking tension on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht. The pro-Palestinian group Philly Bike On Your Left organized the event, labeling the targeted establishments as "Zionist" and calling for their removal from the city. Around 300 pro-Palestinian protesters confronted roughly 200 counter-protesters supporting Jewish-owned businesses in Rittenhouse Square, leading to three arrests and minor injuries among police officers. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker criticized the boycott, with Fetterman calling it antisemitic on social media. The event drew significant public attention and criticism for its timing near a historically significant date for Jewish communities.