Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, many on motorcycles, who gathered to boycott Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia were significantly outnumbered by counter-protesters supporting the businesses on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The boycott, which targeted restaurants in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, was intended to coincide with the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary.
Social media posts associated with the boycott called for the targeted businesses to leave the city. One post, described as promoting an antisemitic demonstration, reportedly stated, “Show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are.”
Despite the protest's characterization as "anti-Zionist," one business owner stated her mac and cheese shop had no connection to Israel and believed she was targeted because she wears a Star of David.
The demonstration occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany and Austria, during which Jewish businesses and neighborhoods were attacked, leading to the deaths of at least 91 Jews and the rounding up of others for concentration camps.
Counter-protesters, including individuals who traveled from out of state, expressed solidarity with the targeted businesses. Matt Sheldon, a visitor from New York, told The Post that the boycott was unsuccessful and that the lines at the targeted restaurants were long, effectively making them "rock stars."