Hundreds of counterprotesters turned out Sunday to oppose a bicycle "boycott ride" aimed at six Jewish-owned restaurants in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, overwhelming the small group of demonstrators and sparking verbal clashes.

The event, organized by the group Philly Bike On Your Left, targeted Mac Mart, K’Far Café, Huda, Goldie, Schlesinger’s and Dizengoff. Organizers labeled the businesses "Zionist establishments" and called for them to leave the city due to alleged support for Israel. The ride coincided with the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi assault against Jewish businesses and communities.

Philadelphia police estimated roughly 500 participants in total, including about 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators with around 200 on bicycles and 200 pro-Israel counterprotesters waving Israeli flags. Officers kept the groups separated amid heated exchanges. Three people were arrested on charges including assault and disorderly conduct, with no property damage reported.

The targeted restaurants, several owned by Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov’s CookNSolo group, saw long lines of customers instead of the intended boycott. Local businesses and community members encouraged patronage to counter the campaign.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker condemned the targeting of Jewish-owned businesses, stating it has no place in the city. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office described the ride as "blatant antisemitism designed to intimidate and drive Jewish businesses out of our communities." State Attorney General Dave Sunday also issued criticism.

The nonprofit JewBelong installed 14 billboards across Philadelphia urging residents to "boycott the boycott," with messages such as "Running over Jewish businesses isn’t a peace plan." The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and other groups called for solidarity with the restaurants.

Organizers maintained the action focused on the businesses’ support for Israel rather than their Jewish ownership, though critics highlighted the selective targeting and inflammatory language as discriminatory. Philadelphia recorded 106 antisemitic incidents in 2025, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s local branch.

The demonstration drew attention for its timing and echoes of historical boycotts against Jewish enterprises. Supporters of the restaurants reported increased business as community members rejected the calls for economic exclusion.