Counterprotesters confront boycott ride aimed at Jewish-run businesses
A planned "bike ride boycott" in Philadelphia was met with a large counterprotest in Rittenhouse Square on the morning of Nov. 8. The boycott targeted six businesses in an Instagram post that organizers said are owned by "zionists." The planned boycott drew condemnation from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, both Democrats. "This bike ride, masquerading as a protest to advance the cause of justice, is nothing more than blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities, and there is no place for that in our Commonwealth," a post from the Shapiro administration's press secretary's X account said on Nov. 5. Cyclists participating in the boycott were quickly outnumbered by counterprotesters supporting the businesses and Israel more broadly, many carrying Israeli flags. As the gathering swelled beyond the tree-lined park and spilled onto 18th Street, a heavy police presence occasionally broke up crowds using motorcycles and scooters. There was at least one arrest at the protest amid the yelling matches and occasional shoving between protesters on both sides. Rick Zietelman arrived at the protest with his bike, but he was there in support of the listed businesses and of Israel. He dressed
