World · North America · 14 hrs ago
Philadelphia protesters clash over boycott of six businesses
In Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott of six businesses they described as supporting Israel.
The demonstration took place on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi-led attacks on Jewish people and businesses in 1938.
About 200 pro-Israel counter-protesters gathered, while police said about 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators took part, including 200 cyclists.
Customers also lined up at the targeted restaurants, including Jewish-owned businesses, to show support.
Police arrested three people and two officers had minor injuries as the opposing groups clashed.
The activists said they were protesting support for Israel, not Jewish identity, while one business owner said she believed her restaurant was targeted because she wore a Star of David necklace.
A restaurant partner urged customers to return during the week, saying the businesses needed lasting support beyond one busy day.
About 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators and 200 pro-Israel counterprotesters gathered in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square over a campaign to boycott six businesses.
Police arrested three people, and two officers suffered minor injuries.
Supporters of the targeted businesses formed queues to buy food, while opposing demonstrators traded insults and confronted one another.
The campaign was organized by a group called Philly Bike On Your Left, which described the businesses as “Zionist establishments.”
The protest took place on the eve of the anniversary of the Kristallnacht attacks.
- Who
- About 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators and 200 pro-Israel counterprotesters. Hundreds of additional customers also came to support the businesses.
- What
- Demonstrators clashed over a campaign to boycott six businesses described by organizers as “Zionist establishments.” Police arrested three people, and two officers suffered minor injuries.
- When
- Sunday, November 8, 2026, from around 11am.
- Where
- Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.
- Why
- The demonstrators called for a boycott of six businesses over what they said was support for Israel. Opponents gathered to defend the businesses and condemn the boycott.
Boycott demonstrators
Pro-Israel counterprotesters
Reason for the demonstration
Boycott demonstrators
They said the businesses supported Israel and alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
Pro-Israel counterprotesters
They opposed the boycott and gathered to support the targeted businesses.
What was being targeted
Boycott demonstrators
Organizers called the six businesses “Zionist establishments.
Pro-Israel counterprotesters
Counterprotesters and customers supported the businesses, including by lining up to buy food.
About 300 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including 200 cyclists, and 200 pro-Israel counterprotesters gathered.
Counterprotesters and customers formed queues at the targeted businesses as opposing demonstrators confronted one another.
Police arrested three people, and two officers suffered minor injuries.
- Pro-Palestinian demonstrators
- About 300, including 200 cyclists
- Pro-Israel counterprotesters
- About 200
- Businesses targeted
- Six
- Arrests
- Three people
- Officer injuries
- Two officers suffered minor injuries
- Location
- Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
3 sources
What people are saying
It's the biggest bust of a boycott there is
They support 22,000 children being unalived!
They're demons!
Posts on X
Here are some scenes from the Philly bicycle boycott protest today. There were far more counter-protesters than original protesters. Massive amounts of @PhillyPolice officers were in the area, including near the restaurants initially singled out by protesters. @CNN