Philly ‘Kristallnacht’ protests at Jewish-owned businesses drowned out, shouted down by huge crowds

PHILADELPHIA — Dozens of pro-Palestinian bikers boycotting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia on the eve of the Kristallnacht anniversary were drowned out by a massive crowd of counter-protesters.

The boycott, which targeted restaurants run by Jewish Americans in Philly’s ritzy Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, came face-to-face with a large counterprotest aimed at supporting the businesses.

Social media posts for the protest demanded that the businesses leave the city.

A pro-Israeli crowd gathers to drown out pro-Palestinian bikers boycotting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. FNTV
A pro-Israel crowd gathers to counterprotest the anti-Israel protesters in Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. FNTV

“Show these zio business owners that we see them for the disgusting humans they are,” one post said.

Despite the claim that the protest was “anti-Zionist,” one business owner said her mac and cheese shop had nothing to do with Israel, and believes she was targeted because she wears a Star of David.

Anti-Israel protesters gathered in Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. FNTV

The protest Sunday came on the eve of the anniversary for the 1938 Nazi night of terror in Germany and Austria, where Jewish-owned businesses and neighborhoods were sacked. At least 91 Jews were murdered and others rounded up for concentration camps.

Matt Sheldon, 52, said he came out from New York to show Philly’s Jewish community that they are not alone, as he mocked the small turnout of about 75 boycotters.

An Instagram post promotes an antisemitic demonstration against Jewish businesses in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Instagram/phillybike.onyourleft
Marti Lieberman, co-owner of Mac Mart, appears in a photo posted to Instagram. Mac Mart is one of the businesses being boycotted.

“It’s the biggest bust of a boycott there is,” Sheldon told The Post, adding that lines to support the restaurants are through the door.

“They made these Jewish restaurants rock stars.”

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