Protest against Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia turns into a show of support for the businesses

In depth

Hundreds of residents filled the restaurants in Philadelphia in response to a protest held against six Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses. The protest, organized by pro-Palestinian groups, was intended according to the organizers to boycott businesses they described as "Zionist institutions." Instead, long lines formed at the entrances to the restaurants, and residents waved Israeli and American flags.

The protest took place on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, and the scale of the response surprised the organizers. According to reports, verbal confrontations broke out between the sides, and police were deployed in the area to prevent escalation. Three people were arrested during the events.

Alongside the Jewish and Israeli-American community, Christian residents also came to express solidarity with the business owners. The community was called on to mobilize on an ongoing basis and to strengthen the businesses in the face of expressions of hatred. The counter-mobilization turned the protest into a broad show of support that took over the streets.