Richard Kimble

WHO IS BEHIND THE BOYCOTT OF JEWISH-OWNED RESTAURANTS IN PHILADELPHIA? One name that deserves attention is Hala Asraf, a Philadelphia-based activist identified in media reports as a promoter and organizer of the planned November 8 bicycle protest targeting Jewish-owned and Israeli-associated restaurants. Asraf is associated with Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza and has promoted the boycott through social media. The language used in this promotion belongs in a Nazi pamphlet. "These Zionist establishments must go! Not in our city!" And referring to the business owners: "These zio business owners ... are disgusting humans." The campaign calls for cyclists to ride around Rittenhouse Square, display flags and target the named establishments. The groups reportedly involved include: - Philly Bike On Your Left - Philly Writers Against the War on Gaza - Philly Solidarity Calendar - Boycott CookNSolo StopAntisemitism has also identified Asraf as an employee of Trek Bicycle Corporation. Meanwhile, what has happened in response is remarkable. Instead of backing down, the restaurants have received an outpouring of customers, donations and public support. A solidarity food crawl is bringing people together to patronize the very businesses targeted by the boycott. Let's be clear: People are entitled to criticize Israeli government policies. But singling out Jewish-owned businesses and demanding that establishments associated with Zionism leave your city is something very different. Jewish businesses are not legitimate targets for collective punishment. Philadelphia deserves to know who is organizing this campaign and what they are asking the public to support. And to everyone standing with these restaurants: B'tayavon! ❤️