Philly DSA decries backlash over boycott targeting Jewish eateries

Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) released a statement Sunday condemning the backlash against a recent boycott ride targeting pro-Israel and Jewish local restaurant owners, calling it an act of "political repression of anti-Zionism."

Last week, the organizations Philly Bike On Your Left, Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza, Boycott CookNSolo and Philly Solidarity Calendar shared a flier promoting the bicycle boycott event, targeting at least six restaurants by name in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square.

The event received widespread condemnation from city and state leadership, particularly after it was scheduled on the eve of the anniversary of against Jews in Germany and Austria marked by widespread anti-Jewish violence.

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On the day of the boycott, Philly DSA attacked elected officials' statements, calling them "bad-faith" and "dangerous" for accusing critics of antisemitism.

"From the Senator [John] Fetterman and Congressman [Brendan] Boyle to Governor [Josh] Shapiro, Mayor [Cherelle] Parker, and Council President [Kenyatta] Johnson, politicians have joined a chorus of bad-faith and dangerous conflation of antisemitism with anti-Zionism and invoking comparisons to the Kristallnacht that trivialize trauma and suppress political speech," the group said in a statement. "These condemnations were not good-faith conversations about tactics."

Philly DSA clarified in its statement that it did not organize or endorse the boycott but accused city and state leaders of attempting "to delegitimize and chill acts of solidarity in the fight for Palestinian liberation" through "an unacceptable use of political power." The group also claimed that elected officials were likely pressured into their statements by "Zionist" organizations.

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"We know that organized Zionist lobbying groups actively and intensely pressure elected officials, including our own elected socialists, to issue these condemnations, manufacturing political controversy that shifts attention away from Israel's actions and toward those organizing in solidarity with Palestine," the statement read.

Philly DSA emphasized that it was not antisemitic and rejected the framing of protests like the boycott as such.

"Jewish businesses and shops belong in Philadelphia: challenges to the violence of Zionist ideology do not dull this commitment to Jewish safety and belonging. DSA stands up and fights back against antisemitism, as we do for the dignity of all working people," the statement read.

In a comment to Fox News Digital, Philly DSA stood by its original statement. Parker's and Johnson's offices also stood by their original statements condemning the boycott. 

Shapiro spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky referred to a previous statement released by the governor's office on the boycott.

"The Shapiro Administration is aware of this planned protest and the Pennsylvania State Police is engaged with our local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbors in Philadelphia, Lapowsky said last week. "This bike ride, masquerading as a protest to advance the