Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 10

Rep.-elect Christopher Rabb Stays Silent on Philadelphia Jewish Business Boycott as Democrats Condemn Kristallnacht-Timed Protest

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 10

Rep.-elect Christopher Rabb Stays Silent on Philadelphia Jewish Business Boycott as Democrats Condemn Kristallnacht-Timed Protest

Q: How did a boycott meant to punish local businesses end up creating lines of eager customers around the block?

It backfired because the boycott was widely seen not as a routine political protest, but as an effort to single out Jewish-owned or Jewish-linked businesses, and that triggered a much larger solidarity response. After flyers circulated naming six restaurants and urging “No business for Zionists,” local residents, Jewish organizations and public officials condemned the action. The timing, on the eve of Kristallnacht’s anniversary, intensified outrage because it echoed the historic targeting of Jewish businesses. That context led many Philadelphians to treat shopping and dining at the businesses as a public rejection of antisemitism. Support campaigns quickly turned the boycott into a call to action. The Anti-Defamation League urged people to patronize the targeted businesses. JewBelong put up billboards telling residents to “boycott the boycott.” Community leaders and customers then showed up in person, creating long lines outside places such as K’Far, Goldie, Schlesinger’s and Mac Mart. Some owners said they had not mixed their businesses with politics and felt unfairly targeted, which appears to have strengthened public sympathy. At Mac Mart, owner Marti Lieberman said support from neighbors was overwhelming. At Schlesinger’s, owner Allan Domb described the turnout as heartwarming. So the boycott produced the opposite economic effect: instead of isolating the businesses, it mobilized customers who wanted to spend money there as a visible show of support.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 10

Christopher Rabb, set to represent Rittenhouse Square in Congress, did not answer questions on a boycott targeting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia, despite repeated requests to his office and campaign.
The weekend protest, organized with help from cycling group Philly Bike on Your Left, promoted slogans including “No business for Zionists” and drew a large counterprotest backing Jewish residents and shop owners.
Pennsylvania Democrats including Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. John Fetterman, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Rep. Brendan Boyle publicly condemned the action as antisemitic, with Boyle saying it echoed Nazi-era boycotts.
Larry Krasner, Philadelphia’s progressive district attorney, also denounced targeting Jewish-owned businesses and noted the protest’s proximity to Kristallnacht, arguing political anger at Israel should not be directed at local residents.
The episode creates an early political test for Rabb, an outspoken Israel critic, as he prepares to represent a district that includes both the protest site and the businesses targeted.